A refresh for TLT’s growing team
We’ve worked with TLT since 1992, designing offices from Belfast to Bristol – including their recent ultra-sustainable Manchester space. This time, it was Edinburgh’s turn. The firm was moving into a new building that would more than double their footprint in the city, marking another step in TLT’s continued growth.
The brief was clear: create a space that felt distinctly Edinburgh while still tying into the wider family of TLT offices. Despite being just 3,000 sqft, the project needed to prioritise wellbeing and sustainability – both key values for the firm.
Built for what comes next
The TLT DNA
Many of TLT’s Scottish staff regularly move between the Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, so design consistency was important. The two spaces share a design language, including TLT’s custom carpets and their signature navy blue. Every TLT office also features a unique accent colour taken from their brand palette – in Edinburgh, that meant rich teals and turquoises, which were used throughout the upholstery and privacy vinyls to subtly bring the brand into the space without feeling overly corporate.
As is the norm for TLT, the office is on the top floor of the building, with sweeping views across Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridge. Both sides also open onto private terraces, giving employees a spot to soak up the (occasional) Scottish sunshine. The sloped walls and ceilings – a quirk of the top floor space – were turned into a feature, with focus rooms and meeting spaces designed to make the most of the cosy, tucked-away feel the slopes provide.
Wellbeing was a key priority, even with the smaller footprint. Staff can choose between multiple ways of working – from sit-stand desks to focus booths and collaboration tables – to allow them to work however suits them best. Natural light is celebrated – internal meeting rooms are fully glazed, using privacy vinyls to allow sunlight to flood the office from the building’s generous windows. A central breakout and lounge area provides a social space for employees to step away from their desks, while one of the smaller meeting rooms doubles up as a quiet, multi-faith and wellbeing room.
Thoughtful details
Proudly rooted in the Scottish capital
To reflect TLT’s connection to the city, we filled the space with nods to Edinburgh’s culture and creativity. The artwork is by local artists. The ceramics come from Edinburgh-based maker John Burgess. The cushions are from Scottish designer Biagali Designs. The boardroom’s acoustic wall – the standout feature – is printed with a custom Edinburgh skyline, acting as a memorable backdrop to both in-person and online meetings.
Sustainability was also front and centre throughout the fit-out. Furniture from other TLT offices was reused wherever possible – including desks from Bristol and meeting room furniture from Glasgow – cutting waste and reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint.
Design Features
Details that matter.
Carefully chosen interior styling pieces and multiple soft seating areas make this workspace feel warm and intimate. Acoustic panelling is used throughout to ensure privacy and confidentiality – even in the smallest spaces. Rooted in Edinburgh, the space features locally made ceramics and artwork and, as the office’s focal point, a custom acoustic wall in the boardroom depicting the Edinburgh skyline.
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