ARPL Architects Ltd complete refurbishment of artists' studios in Irvine

AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND, August 30, 2010 (Press-News.org) Multi-award winning Ayr-based ARPL Architects Ltd have announced the completed refurbishment of artists' studios on Irvine harbourside for WASPS Artists' Studios, a charity providing affordable studios to rent around Scotland.

The original courtyard development of 13 studios for artists of various disciplines, built in the 1980s, have had a comprehensive refurbishment and an additional 5 studios created at mezzanine level.

The project has been funded by the Scottish Arts Council, and local contractor James Anderson has carried out the work.

This is one of WASPS' smaller projects in comparison to the large studio developments such as their new complex at the Briggait in Glasgow, but a very valuable facility for local Ayrshire artists.

The artists who occupy the studios are working to make a living through their creativity and the Scottish Arts Council have been keen to fund this development that increases studio spaces from the existing 13 up to 18 by maximising the existing structure to provide mezzanine studios, and improve the refurbished studio facilities and comfort with a tight construction budget of GBP110k.

Careful planning and a good working relationship were essential as the construction work went on around the artists who continued occupation of the studios throughout the contract.

Consideration of good daylight and affordable running costs with a practical place to work are important criteria for artists making a living through their creativity. WASPS are pleased to have increased their accommodation available for Ayrshire and have a waiting list for studios.

Artists working in the courtyard studios are very happy to have visitors and show them their work.

Wasps Artists' Studios is an award-winning charity which provides affordable studio space to support the careers of up to 750 visual artists working in Scotland today.

Now with a 30 year track record, Wasps Artists' Studios have grown to become one of the largest studio providers in the UK with a network of 17 buildings from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Islands.

ARPL Architects Ltd

The directors of ARPL Architects Ltd are Patrick Lorimer, Robert Gilliland, Gordon Fleming, and Rebecca Cadie with John Ramsay, Stewart Glendinning and Kenneth Handley as associates.

The ARPL philosophy is to produce buildings to the highest design standards in close consultation with its clients. Designs are innovative and sympathetic to both the immediate and the broader environment in which they are constructed, with an emphasis on sustainability. Each project embraces the unique nature of the client's needs and the site.

Over the 36 years since Patrick Lorimer established the original practice, ARPL's status in the profession has grown steadily in line with its position as a medium-sized practice with a reputation for well executed projects. From its base in Ayr the practice carries out projects over a wide geographical area from the Orkneys and the Western Isles to Ireland.

The firm's project experience covers the fields of housing, churches, schools, commercial projects, private houses, community and arts buildings. Particular expertise has been developed in contemporary sustainable design, specialist conservation works and design for historically sensitive environments.

ARPL's work has received wide recognition through numerous design and environmental awards presented over the years for its new build and conservation works. Regular success in design competitions adds to the practice portfolio.

ARPL are currently working on new and refurbishment housing for Lochside, Ayr, several church and castle conservation and restoration projects and new community facilities in the South West of Scotland. Appointments for church commissions involve a range of denominations and projects from conservation and repair to extensions and new build. The firm is also involved in country houses and estates and the design of new houses for private owners.

The practice typically handles projects with construction values ranging from GBP100k through to GBP15m.

ARPL directors have managed to keep their business stable during the current difficult times, and have a busy current workload.

Contact:

ARPL Architects Ltd
Architects and Quantity Surveyors
11 Wellington Square
Ayr KA7 1EN
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: Patrick Lorimer
Tel: 01292 289777
Fax: 01292 288896
E-mail: plorimer@arpl.co.uk
Web: http://www.arpl.co.uk

ARPL Architects Ltd is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association founded in 2007 by some of the top companies in Ayrshire.

Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of industry, commerce and business services available within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.

Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse, Western House Hotel and South Ayrshire Council. and member company activities include broadcasting, building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.

Frazer Coogans Solicitors senior partner Norman Geddes is executive chairman of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, and managing director is public relations consultancy Fame Publicity Services proprietor Murdoch MacDonald.

For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com

Website: http://www.eliteayrshire.com

Issued by:

Murdoch MacDonald
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