Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Edinburgh
Based in central Edinburgh, Block 9 Architects is a dedicated team of designers specialising in delivering innovative architectural solutions across residential, commercial, education, and conservation projects. With a collaborative, solution-focused approach, we work closely with clients and communities to ensure every project, regardless of scale, meets the highest standards of design excellence. Our methodology prioritises active listening, creative problem-solving, and adaptability to align with evolving client needs and project requirements. Established in 2009, our practice has grown to include a skilled team of architects, technicians, and administrative professionals committed to quality and sustainability. We integrate design excellence with cost-effectiveness, ensuring every project maximises value while adhering to environmental and functional standards.Our expertise spans all RIBA work stages, from initial briefing to post-completion reviews, with a focus on clear communication and client satisfaction. We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate complex planning and conservation challenges, delivering results that exceed expectations. Our teams dedication to continuous improvement and client-centric service has earned us strong recommendations from clients and industry partners alike. We maintain rigorous health and safety standards as Principal Designers under CDM 2015 regulations, ensuring project safety from inception to completion. With a portfolio ranging from bespoke homes to large-scale developments, we remain driven by our core principles of people, design, value, and sustainability.
Services
Architectural Design
Residential Development
Commercial Projects
Conservation
Principal Designer Services
Planning Applications
Building Warrant Submissions
Tender Management
Construction Phase Services
Post-Completion Reviews
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We follow RIBA work stages to ensure structured, client-focused project delivery.
- Our team has extensive experience in navigating complex planning and conservation requirements.
- We prioritise sustainability, integrating environmentally sound practices into all projects.
- We offer Principal Designer services compliant with CDM 2015 health and safety regulations.
- Our collaborative approach ensures client input is valued throughout the design process.
Associations and certifications
- BREEAM
What people say
Highly customer focused
Creative skills
Professional approach
Pragmatic solutions
Strong working relationship
Services
Architectural Design
We provide tailored architectural design solutions across residential, commercial, and conservation sectors. Our process begins with understanding client needs, followed by feasibility studies and detailed design development. We ensure compliance with planning and technical standards while prioritising sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Principal Designer Services
As Principal Designers under CDM 2015, we mitigate health and safety risks during design and construction. We collaborate with contractors to maintain safety standards, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimising risks throughout project delivery.
Planning Applications
Our team prepares and submits planning applications, including design statements and supporting reports. We liaise with local authorities to address queries, ensuring approvals align with client goals and regulatory requirements while navigating complex conservation constraints.
Building Warrant Submissions
We develop detailed construction drawings compliant with technical standards for building warrant applications. Our coordination with consultants ensures accurate specifications, and we address queries from building control departments to secure approvals efficiently.
Construction Phase Services
We administer contracts, conduct site inspections, and resolve on-site issues during construction. Our services include snagging inspections, progress reviews, and ensuring adherence to design intent while maintaining open communication with contractors and clients.
People
Sandy Anderson
Lead Architect
Sandy specialises in navigating complex planning and conservation challenges, delivering successful projects under tight constraints. He focuses on client collaboration and pragmatic design solutions.
Mark Donaghy
Architect
Mark contributes expertise in residential and commercial developments, ensuring designs balance aesthetics with functionality. He works closely with clients to translate visions into practical, sustainable spaces.
Questions
What sectors do Block Nine Architects specialise in?
We work across residential, commercial, education, conservation, and industrial sectors, offering tailored design solutions for each.
How do you handle planning and conservation challenges?
We prepare detailed planning applications and collaborate with consultants to address conservation constraints, ensuring compliance while achieving design goals.
What is your approach to sustainability?
We integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, aiming for BREEAM-rated buildings without compromising functionality or aesthetics.
Do you offer Principal Designer services?
Yes, we provide Principal Designer services under CDM 2015, managing health and safety risks throughout the project lifecycle.
How do you manage construction-phase challenges?
We conduct regular site inspections, resolve issues promptly, and administer contracts impartially to ensure projects stay on track.
Reviews (5)
John W.
Sep 22, 2021
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Sandy from Block 9 designed a 9m x 5.5m extension for us with a beautiful 'butterfly' roof in NW Edinburgh . The design is bright, airy, spacious and a delight to spend time in. Sandy showed wonderful patience in dealing with what turned out to be a very, very difficult builder! Sandy's communication and abililty to work with Edinburgh planning was second to none and even a last minute necessity to raise the roof height was turned around in record time. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Block 9 to anyone looking for the design and delivery of even the most complex construction.
Colin Dunthorne
Dec 24, 2020
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As total novices to self building we are very appreciative of the help and guidance Sandy at Block 9 has given us over the past few years. They listened and took note of all requirements and managed to include them all in our design. The build is now nearing completion but we know we can always pick up the phone for advice anytime. We would not hesitate to recommend Sandy and his team to help with all types of projects commercial or residential.
Jonathan Bruneau
Dec 20, 2020
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Block 9 Architects designed and obtained planning consent for 3 town houses despite strong local opposition to the development. Sandy and Stephanie were not only excellent during the design phase but also very strategic and practical when considering the headwinds we faced. Their fees were reasonable, advice sound and the eventual product / result was a great success. I can highly recommend Block 9 Architects for both domestic and commercial projects. It was a pleasure working with them.
Mark Linklater
Dec 17, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Brief to open up the small kitchen and add floor to ceiling windows. Very professional service and came up with many great ideas. Always on hand when needed would certainly reccomend Block 9 to anyone looking for an architect in Edinburgh.
Brief to open up the small kitchen and add floor to ceiling windows. Very professional service and came up with many great ideas. Always on hand when needed would certainly reccomend Block 9 to anyone looking for an architect in Edinburgh.
Jamie Menzies
Oct 19, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
We at Zebra Property have worked with Block 9 as both contractor and also client. They are great to deal with. They think through things in detail, offer pragmatic solutions to complex problems and are always happy to help in whatever way they can. I could not recommend them more!
We at Zebra Property have worked with Block 9 as both contractor and also client. They are great to deal with. They think through things in detail, offer pragmatic solutions to complex problems and are always happy to help in whatever way they can. I could not recommend them more!
