OPEN (part of SLR) is an integrated design practice where we care passionately about the natural and built environment. Our collective skills and experience combine to allow us to shape a wide range of urban and rural projects and situations, responding to the cultural, environmental and economic context.

We are defined by the diversity of skills within our team, our collaborative approach and our leadership qualities. We work with enthusiasm and invention, solving complex challenges within the places that we work.

We think differently, designing for life between, within and beyond buildings and encourage others to do the same. We respond imaginatively to the unique context of every project to improve people’s quality of life, respond to environmental challenges and create value. We carefully analyse landscapes to ensure development is integrated, and evaluate its effects.

We strive for beauty and function in all contexts and at every scale. We believe in the power of landscape and architecture within the built and natural environments. Our experience and skills in technical evaluation tell us that the smallest of projects can have a big impact whilst even the largest strategies require a detailed understanding of delivery.

The practice was established in 2009 with an ambition to influence and create successful places. OPEN (part of SLR) has studios located in Edinburgh, London and Manchester. This geographic spread allows us to respond effectively to interesting and diverse projects and clients throughout the UK. The three studios also provide opportunities for talented people across a wide area. Regardless of location, we are a single team with a common motivation and commitment to innovation and quality. Our core disciplines include:

  • Masterplanning;
  • Landscape Architecture;
  • Architecture;
  • Landscape Planning;
  • Urban Design; and
  • GIS.

These core disciplines are in turn supported by a range of complementary services that are provided within the OPEN studios including:

  • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment;
  • Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment;
  • Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment;
  • Public Consultation;
  • Expert Witness;
  • 3D Visualisation; and
  • Graphic Design.