Macrobertswinawardforbestoffice

MacRoberts win award for best office

Scottish firm of solicitors, MacRoberts LLP, has won the British Council of Offices' regional award for the best office fit-out for the dynamic and striking Capella Building in the heart of Glasgow's International Financial Services District.

The firm, which moved into the distinctive curved glass and steel building in June last year, was chosen for the award at a sell-out ceremony in the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow attended by leading architects and designers as well as property occupiers and other property professionals.

The award means that MacRoberts will be automatically entered in the BCO National Awards which will be held in London on October 11.

Capella, at 60 York Street, caused a stir as soon as it was built, with its glazed curtain wall entrance, impressive double height reception foyer and intelligent lighting.

The architects for the fit-out were Haa Design, a consultancy-led practice of architects and interior designers based in Glasgow and MacRoberts was one of the first tenants in the building along with Strathclyde Pension Fund.

Two of the five regional winners came from Glasgow and the judging panel praised the high quality of entries, saying that they exhibited best practice examples of commercial realism and innovative and environmentally sensitive design.

John Shepherd, BCO judging chair for Scotland, said:

"The BCO Awards focus on aspects such as architectural flair, economic and sustainable construction with fitness for purpose for users of the space. Once again, both the developers and owner occupiers have really delivered fantastic workspaces for the end user."

Michael Murphy, managing partner at MacRoberts said:

"Our people are our most important asset and it is vital that we create the best possible working environment for them. Capella is an example of Scottish architecture and design at its very best."

David Crowe, director of Haa Design, added:

"Capella currently provides some of the best Grade A office space available in Scotland and we are very pleased to have been able to contribute to this award for a client as discerning as MacRoberts.