Building Design Services (BDS) is committed to maintain The City of Edinburgh Council's properties in the best possible condition. BDS provides this through services that offer quality solutions, all of which are tailored to customers' needs, programmes and budgets. The service is supported by professional expertise in architecture, engineering, surveying, planning supervision and project management.

BDS offers a complete, professional service, as well as in-house technical services. This mix of disciplines is unique to BDS and is not found in other local authorities or the private sector.

We provide and maintain comfortable, good quality housing which, with energy conservation measures, is affordable to tenants. BDS has successfully developed an Investment Planning Framework to refurbish Council homes to modern standards. This work includes all aspects of modernisation, from CCTV to digital aerials to new kitchens and bathrooms.

Over the past five years energy efficiency levels in most Council homes have risen by 15%. BDS's contribution to this has been invaluable. By prioritising this work, a planned windows and heating programme was completed two years ahead of schedule.

BDS's clients include all Council departments, with the majority of work being carried out for the Housing, Education, and Culture & Leisure departments. Working together with colleagues across the Council, BDS have achieved major successes. For example, innovative school designs that have attracted international attention and architectural awards, such as Leith Academy and St Thomas of Aquin's High School.

Work to improve Edinburgh's Cultural and Leisure facilities also play a part in BDS's workload. The successful refurbishment of the Usher Hall, Phase 1, in partnership with the main contractor, Amec, is now complete, on time and within budget. The work has met with significant recognition and was short-listed for a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) refurbishment award.

The division has experience in renovating and building Police Stations, including the "A" listed Leith Police Station, as well as Drylaw and Causewayside stations. Projects completed for the Lothian and Borders Fire Service include The Tollcross Fire Station, which won the RIAS Silver Medal, a major architectural award, as well as stations at Newcraighall, Bathgate and the fire brigade support centre at Newbridge completed in Spring 2003.

For further information about BDS, please click on one of the following links: