News & Blog

60th Anniversary for Architects

12th December 2023

Local company, CSY Architects, are celebrating an incredible sixty years in business in 2023. The practice recently held an exhibition and celebration to mark the occasion, displaying a selection of their extensive portfolio, from the 1960s up to more recent work, plus old team photos and memorabilia. The event was attended by past and present team members, clients and collaborators, who all enjoyed reminiscing and discussing the future of the practice. 

CSY Architects trace their history back to 1963, when Duncan Cameon founded his practice in Galashiels. The business has been evolving ever since, becoming Cameron Associates, Camerons, Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects, and most recently CSY Architects. The more recent name changes reflect the 2020 merger with Dalkeith-based Douglas Strachan Architect, and Berwick-based Bain Swan Architects. The company also converted to employee ownership in 2020. 

“We believe our team is greater than the sum of its parts. By working together, everyone can be their best and do their best work”. Gavin Yuill, Co-MD. The exhibition and celebration were hosted in the practice’s Galashiels office, which is itself an example of the architecture of Peter Womersley, who would have been 100 this year and was a mentor to Duncan Cameron. CSY Architects have plans to combine their expertise in conservation and sustainability to carry out a deep-retrofit of this building, which they hope will act as a case study for how existing buildings can be revived to meet the challenges of the climate crisis. 

Whilst celebrating their own heritage and advocating conservation, CSY Architects are also keen to look to the future. These celebrations have therefore also been an opportunity to reflect on shared values, which they are proud to express through their new brand identity, emphasising community, people and places. 

“A sense of care runs through everything we do. We believe that architecture is about helping people improve their surroundings, to in-turn let the environment have a positive impact on our lives.” Co-MD, Douglas Strachan. 

The CSY team were delighted to hear from many former colleagues, including previous Directors. They were particularly touched to hear from Duncan Cameron’s widow, Dorothy, who wished the team well, hoping the practice will continue for another sixty years!