2010s

Do You Remember What Happened in 2016?

The much anticipated Gate to the East in Suzhou is completed, and RMJM is appointed as Executive Architect and Interior Designer for Santiago Calatrava’s “The Tower” in Dubai.

The Gate to the East is one of the most easily-recognisable landmarks not just in Suzhou, but in China. The project’s dramatic appearance captures the significance of China’s role in the modern world and symbolises a ‘gateway’ to the city of Suzhou. RMJM also announces its appointment as the Executive Architect and Interior Designer for ‘The Tower’. The supertall building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has been dubbed as the skyscraper that will raise the bar for what future buildings can and should be.

2010s

Here’s How We Grew in 2015

RMJM’s network of studios and alliances expands its global footprint size with the incorporation of RMJM Sport and new studios in Serbia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Botswana.

RMJM’s international presence grows with the addition of 5 new studios in 5 different countries: Serbia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana. RMJM Sport, a sector-specific studio specialising in the design of sports complexes and sporting landscape design, is establishad and allows for the inclusion of new industry experts with an abundance of experience in high-profile sports projects. These studios are a testament to RMJM’s commitment to delivering world-class designs in all corners of the globe and across every sector.

2010s

2014: A Year in Review

RMJM renews their commitment with the Commonwealth Games with the design of the multi award-winning Commonwealth Athletes Village.

RMJM’s role as masterplanner and design champion for the City Legacy Consortium leads to the development of 700 homes in the City of Glasgow. These developments, among others, allows for the accommodation of nearly 8,000 athletes and officials during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. One of the key elements of the plot’s design was how the site will transform and be used after the Games; it goes on to become one of the most sought-after residential areas in the East End of Glasgow.

2010s

What Went on in 2012?

The Varyap Meridian, the first Turkish project of its kind to achieve LEED certification, is awarded the Best Built Residential project upon completion.

The Varyap Meridian, a mixed-use development consisting of residential units, hotel rooms, a conference facility, commercial office space, opens in Istanbul. The iconic development’s sustainability features extend beyond green technologies, with the footprint of the towers using just 13 per cent of the available land. The remaining plot space features sustainable design and goes on to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – the first project of its kind to receive this certification in Turkey.

2000s

Looking Back to 2009

A quintessential RMJM project, the Duke University/National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School opens to a number of awards and international accolades.

The Duke-NUS Medical School – the first collaboration of its kind – is opened by Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. The building was designed following Duke and NUS’s mission to educate students that will eventually excel in medical research, education and patient care. The building – which has achieved Green Mark certification – is a highly sustainable development, and has been designed to maintain a comfortable temperature in Singapore’s tropical climate.

2000s

2008: The Year of the Beijing Olympics

RMJM participates in the Beijing Olympic games with the design of the Media Center Building and the Beijing Olympic Convention Center.

The design of the Beijing Olympic Convention Center is completed and opened as a multi-purpose facility; used as a key arena for the 2008 Olympic Games, later re-purposed to act as a commercial and leisure activity center following the completion of the games. The building serves many functions throughout the games, with its main purpose to accommodate the International Broadcast Center where journalists report from the games to the rest of the world.

Credit: Video courtesy of China National Convention Centre

2000s

An Icon Opens in 2004

The New Scottish Parliament Building opens its doors.

Perhaps one of Scotland’s most recognisable designs, the New Scottish Parliament is opened as part of a unique partnership between Enric Miralles who designed the building, and RMJM. The unique facade represents a natural and organic approach that was decided upon in the initial stages of the design phase. It is intended to be void of any hierarchical perspectives and is known for breaking the rules of architectural composition. It will later go on to win a number of awards, including the Scottish Design Awards ‘Best Publicly Funded Building’.

2000s

Can You Guess What Happened in 2002?

The Falkirk Wheel, the first and only rotating boat lift, revolutionises the world of engineering.

The Falkirk Wheel, one of RMJM’s most iconic projects not just in the UK, but all across the engineering world, is opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel has become a marvel for engineers across the globe and has become a much-loved icon in Scotland. The wheel links two canals between the east and west of Scotland, and attracts, on average, half a million visitors every year.

1990s

1998: Here’s What We Did

The Tron Theatre in Glasgow is completed and goes on to win the Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Award (The People’s Choice), and a Civic Trust Commendation.

The Tron Theatre, located in the city of Glasgow, opens its doors to the public after being renovated and quickly becomes a thriving multi-faceted venue. A bar, restaurant, dressing rooms, studio theatre, and administration wing were all new additions to the development with the inclusion of a new box office, foyer, and exhibition space recognised as notable features as well. These welcome additions, along with the varied yet culturally-artistic pieces, see the theatre going on to win several prestigious awards.

1990s

What Happened in 1995?

The firm is awarded the RIAS Urban Regeneration Award and the Civic trust/AHS Emstar Award for Energy conservation for their work on the Scottish Executive Headquarters in Edinburgh.

The Scottish Executive HQ is completed after being provided with a brief that had one overall goal in mind: to provide excellent working conditions. The new HQ sees the relocation of 1,500 staff members and breathes new life into Edinburgh’s docklands in Leith. Many energy considerations were factored into the design. An atrium, insulation and solar protection for heat control, and natural lighting and ventilation are all included and plays a large part in the building being given a ‘very good’ BREEAM rating.

1990s

Throwback to 1994

Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling NGAM opens its doors.

Completed in 1994, the Le Royal Meridien, Baan Taling Ngam Resort is opened, with the restaurant and spa reaching completion in 2001. The Resort and Spa is located on Koh Samui’s secluded and tranquil western coast and gently flows down to the beach below. Nestled amongst a coconut plantation, this spacious and luxurious facility features a number of first-class suites all decorated in a Thai style, overlooking the islands of Ang Thong Marine National Park. It is in essence, a retreat for the senses.

1990s

Making Changes in 1992

RMJM’s design for the Happy Valley Clubhouse, is recognised with the HKIA Certificate of Merit, becoming an easy landmark by virtue of its distinctive timber roof.

The Happy Valley Racecourse needed refurbishment of its Grandstand to make the facilities safer, and more visually appealing for users – all to be completed within the four-month closed season. A few additions to the facility include a new covered area with betting kiosks, fast food catering, toilets, jockey changing areas, and a new equerry centre on a new mezzanine floor. Once stripped, the facility also saw the inclusion of three new floors that featured a steel canopy roof to give sun and rain cover to the terraces.

1980s

1986: Winning Awards

RMJM wins a Scottish Museum of the Year Award for their work on the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art garners one of RMJM’s first major awards: Scottish Museum of the Year. Home to an exceptional collection of some of the finest modern and contemporary artworks, the Scottish National Gallery is made up of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two. Modern One was originally the premises for the John Watson’s Institution, a large neoclassical building that was designed as a refuge for fatherless children.

Credit: Image courtesy of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

1980s

Taking Off in 1985

The firm designs the second largest airport in Malaysia.

Kota Kinabulu Airport (previously known as Jesselton) is designed by RMJM and becomes the second largest airport in Malaysia. The opening of the new terminal will see almost all commercial flights shifted to the newer and larger terminal. Before the decision to turn the space into a highly-functional airport, it was originally operated as a military airfield during World War II.

1980s

International Recognition in 1983

RMJM is awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.

The firm is recognised for its international expertise and activities and it is awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. This also serves as a testament to the outstanding level of design services delivered by RMJM, worldwide. The award aims to highlight and commend British businesses and organisations who excel at international trade, innovation, or sustainable development. This award has changed names over the years but remains as prestigious as ever.

1970s

Making History in 1977

Hillingdon Civic Centre is completed. 40 years later, it has been protected in a bid to “stem losses of this important style of architecture”.

The Hillingdon Civic Centre is the headquarters of the London Borough of Hillingdon, located in Uxbridge. It is considered one of the most famous buildings in the British neo-vernacular style, and as such, has become a protected building to ensure this style of building is protected. The listed building includes integrated hard landscaping, including paving, planters, steps and walls. The Civic Centre is dubbed one of the first major works in England by a Modernist architect and marks the emergence of a new architectural zeitgeist.

1970s

1972: An Iconic Project

The first tunnel to be built underwater in Hong Kong opens to traffic.

RMJM is named Architects to the Engineers for the Hong Kong Cross-Harbour project, which is opened by HRH Princess Alexandra. The tunnel is successfully utilised to meet the needs of the ever-growing traffic between the twin cities of Victoria, on the island of Hong Kong, and Kowloon on the mainland, and now sees approximately 80,000 vehicles passing through daily. The tunnel is the first in Hong Kong to be built underwater, and before its development, cross-harbour traffic was dependent on ferries.

1970s

Stepping into the UAE in 1971

RMJM opens their office in Dubai as the formation of the UAE comes to fruition.

RMJM Dubai is established not long after the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The firm became the first registered international consultant to be employed by the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The firm will go on to participate in some of the UAE’s most renowned architectural projects.

1970s

1970: A Royal Affair

HRH Princess Anne opens the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh is opened by HRH Princess Anne and is part of a larger goal to bring the Commonwealth Games to Edinburgh. The pool is the only Olympic-standard diving facility in Scotland and goes on to be used for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the inaugural 2018 European Championships – both of which were hosted in Glasgow. RMJM also goes on to win a RIBA Regional Award and a Structural Steel Design Award, with Robert Matthew picking up a RIBA Gold Medal for Architecture.

Credit: Video courtesy of British Pathé

1960s

1968: The Start of Something New

The firm establishes what will be a lasting relationship with the Middle East.

RMJM begins work in Saudi Arabia following an invitation to design the first plans for the Western Region, with the masterplans for the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and the commercial capital, Jeddah. Several challenges are apparent throughout this project, with one of the most vigorous being the language barrier. RMJM goes on to assemble a team of interdisciplinary architects, engineers, geographers, and statisticians to assist with every stage of the project.

1960s

Breaking New Ground in 1967

Robert Matthew travels to Nigeria to oversee the implementation of designs for several hundred ‘prefabricated schools’.

As part of an initiative to grow the number of educational facilities in Nigeria, RMJM is appointed as executive architect for an International Development Association (IDA) – funded programme that will see the development of over 100 schools and colleges in Northern Nigeria. This comes after RMJM undertook a building costs study for the government of Northern Nigeria in 1962. This project is the first for RMJM in Africa and sparks the start of a lasting presence on the continent.

1960s

1963: A Royal Affair

HRH Queen Elizabeth II opens one of the firm’s first major projects, the New Zealand House in London.

One of RMJM’s largest projects to date, the New Zealand House in London, is opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth II after approval for the building is granted by the British Cabinet. Designed by Sir Robert Matthew, the building will become known as a modern skyscraper and is the first tower block to be built in Central London after the war. In addition to many offices of the High Commissioner, the building also houses the New Zealand consulate in London and the military attaché.

Credit: Courtesy of British Pathé

1960s

Globally Recognised in 1961

The firm secures their first work internationally.

RMJM works closely with many world-renowned architects (Gio Ponti and Doxiadis) to develop a masterplan for the city of Islamabad in Pakistan, the capital city for the region. Pakistan needed a capital city that was easily accessible from all parts of the country. Since its establishment, the city has become the political seat of Pakistan and is home to at least 20 universities. It was built to replace Karachi and is now noted for its high standards of living, safety, and greenery.

1950s

Here’s How We Did in 1958

The firm wins their first major award; the Centenary Medal of the Edinburgh Architecture Association.

The original terminal of the Turnhouse Airport is designed to accommodate 70,000 passengers per year and was instructed by the Ministry of Aviation. It is made up of a low, asymmetrical group of buildings, utilising prefabricated steel frame structures (to permit extension) and faced with Auchinlea sandstone and mahogany cladding. Additional office and cargo space is then added in 1959, and a new customs block, baggage reclaim area, buffet, and kitchens, are added in 1964.

1950s

Looking Back to 1957

RMJM is commissioned by the British Government to design the St. John’s School, which later became the United World College for Southeast Asia.

RMJM is commissioned by the British Government to design the St. Johns School in Singapore – run by the British Families Education Service for families of British Military. The British Military then withdraws from Singapore in 1971, and the land is repurposed and used for the creation of a private school for expatriates. An international school is then opened and becomes a member of the United World College movement in 1975, and changes its name to the United World College of South East Asia.

Credit: Image courtesy of Memories of Singapore – Coppermine Gallery

1950s

Kicking Things Off in 1956

The establishment of RMJM.

The partnership between Robert Matthew and Stirrat Johnson-Marshall is established after Matthew appoints Johnson-Marshall as the manager of his architecture firm based in London. The partnership allowed for the development of one of the most successful architecture firms in the world, and today, RMJM operates as one of the largest architectural networks of its kind.