Scottish Design Award win for Old Town Chambers
Our brand evolution work for the historic five-star hotel takes Gold in the Design Crafts category at the 2026 Scottish Design Awards
“This award is particularly meaningful because it recognises not simply the finished design, but the process behind it: the research, collaboration, making and craftsmanship that brought the brand to life."
A thoughtful EVOLUTION
We're delighted that our brand evolution for Old Town Chambers has been awarded Gold in the Design Crafts category at the Scottish Design Awards.
The project marked an exciting new chapter for one of Edinburgh's most distinctive places to stay, as the independent hotel joined the Marriott Hotels Group's Autograph Collection. Our brief was to evolve the brand to meet Marriott's global standards while preserving the unique character and rich history that define Old Town Chambers.
DEFINED BY CRAFT & CARE
Our starting point was research. Exploring the histories of the four buildings that make up the Chambers uncovered a rich tapestry of artists, writers, makers and merchants whose lives shaped this corner of Edinburgh over centuries. That research inspired the defining brand concept, Uncover the Unexpected, and a craft-led approach that ran throughout the project.
The work brought together multiple disciplines, including brand strategy, identity design, copywriting, typography, sculpture and printmaking. At the heart of the project is The Mark — a sculptural installation conceived and developed by our team as the hotel's signature guest experience. Created from volcanic stone sourced from the same geological formation as Arthur's Seat, it invites guests to discover the stories embedded within the building and the city beyond.
"At the heart of the project is The Mark — a sculptural installation conceived and developed by our team as the hotel's signature guest experience"
BRINGING THE STORY TO LIFE
Craft extended throughout the guest experience. Working with local artist Esme Macintyre, we commissioned a series of bespoke woodcut prints celebrating the histories of the four buildings, while poetry, printed materials and carefully considered details ensured the brand story continued long after check-in.
This was a genuinely collaborative project, and we'd like to thank the team at Old Town Chambers for their trust and ambition, along with everyone who helped realise our vision. You can explore the full Old Town Chambers case study here and watch a video showcasing the making of the Mark below.
"Art, poetry, printed materials and carefully considered details ensured the brand story continues long after check-in"
