Scottish architects favour independence in 60–40 split

Peter Wilson, director of the Wood Studio research centre, Edinburgh Napier University’s Institute for Sustainable Construction

‘The most immediate consequence of a no vote will be an increase in the drain of architectural talent to London that has been the bane of professional life here since time immemorial. With only the prospect of increased austerity measures from an unconstrained Westminster government, insufficient opportunities are likely to emerge in the foreseeable future to enable Scotland to retain this valuable resource. Constant turbulence of personnel does not make for great architecture, and anyone thinking the proposed additional devolved powers will bring more opportunity, prosperity and security is likely to be deluded. 

‘Many architects in Scotland have viewed the referendum as the opportunity to effect the positive change necessary to fit the profession for the 21st century. Should this compulsion be stifled, the restructuring essential to the creation and support of quality architecture will be placed on hold in favour of a status quo that manifestly does not work for most of Scotland’s 4,000 or so practitioners.’

Paul Stallan, design director, Stallan-Brand

‘Being involved in urban regeneration and education projects in Glasgow, I would hope that a yes vote would provide a new impetus in this sector with a greater focus on eradicating poverty, unemployment and chronic ill health. 

‘The yes vote is a protest vote against a legacy of destruction and broken communities started by Margaret Thatcher and perpetuated by London’s political elite. A yes vote will have positive implications for architects working in both Scotland and England. The old order is dead.’

Thea McMillan, director of architecture, Chambers McMillan

‘Decisions for Scotland should be made as close to the people they affect as possible. This allows real engagement with people in both policy and decision making. The referendum gives an opportunity to be involved in a debate with so many different areas of society.

‘The energy and buzz that would carry on after a yes vote would help inform further engagement on policies that affect architects: procurement, inclusion and the opportunity to design for people rather than for conglomerates.’

Walter Menteth, founder, Walter Menteth Architects

‘The opportunity for a constitutional settlement with a new Federated British state appears to have been lost. The abject disdainful spin of the business-as-usual Westminster establishment in this referendum leaves us dolefully watching over the potential end of this nation and facing a black hole of unimaginable consequences followed by years of reckoning.

‘Historically many countries have experienced a cultural flowering under the rejuvenating influence of independence. The Scottish architectural design scene is currently vibrantly robust, and a resurgent national confidence with a new identity is likely to see a flowering. Work in establishment of embassies, administrative and organisational structures will likely come with a yes vote.

‘But, as reality strikes, the rump UK may face a diminishing of confidence. This calls for leadership into a new age. The RIBA might start by holding a design competition for a new national flag capable of asserting a new post-imperial identity to presage this new age.

‘Expect a roller-coaster ride.’

Dave McCall, director, OMI Architects, Manchester

‘Scotland fights above its weight in the current regime and benefits from that. The Scottish strength is as a people who venture further afield as well as maintaining ties with the home country.

‘[Together we] benefit from the strength that we have London, which is a top five capital city in the world. Glasgow and Edinburgh are fantastic cities but they do not carry much international weight. Most countries in Europe would kill to have a capital which wields so much power on the world stage.’

John McRae, director, Orms

‘I would like to believe a yes vote will have no impact on architectural practices. We have seen over the past decade that clients in Scotland have chosen architects based upon merit, eg Stephen Holl at Glasgow School of Art and Kengo Kuma &Associates at the V&A in Dundee.

‘While this might be difficult for local practices to accept, it helps challenge architectural convention. The greatest challenge for an independent Scotland will be how it attracts investment to raise sufficient funds for “the new Scotland”.’