Jane Bradley traces the rise and fall of Scotland-based RMJM. Since completing its crowning achievement, the new Scottish Parliament building, the firm has expanded and contracted, and been rescued from receivership. Can it ever succeed again?
Just four years after architecture firm RMJM began work on the Scottish Parliament, its "zenith" according to one observer, the company that was founded in 1956 was bought by construction tycoon Sir Fraser Morrison as "a toy for his son."
"RMJM immediately began to expand, becoming the fifth largest architecture practice in the world and boasting 17 global bases at its peak," says Bradley. The company was undone by the global credit crunch and some dubious managerial decisions, and went into receivership in October of last year.
"Now, the firm that was rescued from receivership by a new Morrison-owned company called RMJM Architecture some months ago is being swallowed up by Duthus Investments."
Can the firm "rise from the ashes" as some believe? Will it "focus on the overseas market, where the company may be viewed in terms of its portfolio, rather than financial, success"? Only time will tell how this tale will proceed.
FULL STORY: The rise and fall of Scottish architects RMJM
England Begins Second Lockdown to Protect the National Health Service
The day after Election Day in America, the U.K. Parliament voted overwhelmingly to impose a 4-week lockdown in England to ensure that nation's prized healthcare system doesn't collapse due to treating mounting coronavirus infections.
Trump Golf Course Destroyed Protected Scottish Ecosystem
The president promised to protect the unique natural area when he received permission to develop a resort there.
Scotland Could Take '20 Is Plenty' National
It looks very likely that Scotland will take unprecedented action—and global leadership—in the name of traffic safety.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)