Oliver Smith - Thought Leadership
How many employees does OOBE have?
We are a team of 25 with studios in Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. We’ll soon have 11 team members across our Edinburgh and Glasgow studios, led by Director Chris Shiels. We’re currently looking to expand our team in Glasgow and continue to grow our presence nationally.
Tell us about the firm’s expansion into Scotland and the Glasgow and Edinburgh offices.
Our work in Scotland really took off in 2015 after a collaboration with Stallan-Brand on Holland Park in Glasgow. That project laid the foundations for long-term partnerships with firms like Turner & Townsend, CCG and Iceni – who we now share space with in Glasgow.
The decision to formally expand came a few years later when Chris rejoined OOBE. We built our Edinburgh studio around his leadership, and since then we’ve seen strong growth across education, housing and public realm. Kirstin Jackson will also be rejoining the business in September to help lead growth from Glasgow – balancing her role as a parent, which we fully support.
Scotland is now a major part of our business and a key focus for the next stage of growth.
What major projects are you working on in Scotland at the moment?
We’re lucky to be working on a range of transformative schemes. There’s the Blindwells masterplan and residential developments at Granton Waterfront and The McEwan at Springside, which is close to completion.
In Glasgow, we’re supporting the regeneration of Sauchiehall Street and delivering the St Vincent Build-to-Rent scheme with Hawkins\Brown. Education is another big area – we’ve just completed stage one of Faifley Campus, with two new primary schools in Edinburgh kicking off shortly. There’s also several purpose-built student accommodation schemes and Glasgow riverfront projects shortly underway.
Looking ahead, we see real opportunity in blue-green infrastructure – though changes to legislation like the Building Act are creating some uncertainty, especially in the Build-to-Rent market.
What attracted you to your current role?
It felt like the right step. As the business evolved, I naturally took on more responsibility – from design and delivery to business development and strategy. My co-founder Mike and I have spent the past few years formalising our roles and building a leadership team that plays to people’s strengths. We’ve brought in brilliant people like Emma McNicholas as Director of Sales and promoted from within, which has been key to our stability and ambition.
What were you doing before?
I’ve always been in landscape architecture. Before OOBE, I worked at a multidisciplinary firm where I gradually got more involved in bids, proposals and client-facing work. It gave me a good grounding in both design and the commercial side of things.
What do you least enjoy?
Still having to justify the value of landscape. It’s too often seen as a finishing touch, when in reality it shapes how people experience a place from day one.
What do you consider to be the main successes of the business?
We’ve built strong, lasting relationships with clients and consultants, and delivered consistently high-quality work – whether it’s a public park or a masterplan for thousands of homes.
Internally, I’m proud of the culture we’ve created. We’re collaborative, supportive, and genuinely enjoy the work we do. No project is the same, and we thrive on finding creative, practical solutions for each one.
What are your ambitions for the firm?
We want to double in size over the next five years – not just in terms of headcount, but in reach and capability. That includes growing our Scottish presence, expanding into new locations, and deepening our offer across ecology, arboriculture and urban design.
Importantly, we want to do it in a way that supports people’s development. We’ve currently got four team members on the pathway to chartership, and we’ve recently promoted Alison Finch to Associate – a well-earned milestone. That sense of progression and support is something we’re really focused on.
What are the challenges facing the sector?
The design bar is getting higher, and rightly so – but it doesn’t always come with the time or budget to match. Regulatory changes are also adding pressure, especially in housing and infrastructure. The challenge is to be proactive – not just compliant – and to embed sustainability, biodiversity and accessibility from the start.
What single thing would most help?
More investment in development – particularly in Scotland. That’s what drives regeneration and unlocks the kinds of projects we specialise in. That’s one reason we’re partnering with Place Media Group as a founding Scottish partner at MIPIM 2026 – to help put Scotland’s potential on the map.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
Keep going. Don’t over-celebrate when things are going well and don’t panic when they’re not. Just keep focused on what you’re building and be open to adapting along the way.
Most challenging moment in life or business?
Starting out was a big leap – we had no idea how things would pan out. But the recent period of growth has arguably been harder. Scaling the business meant restructuring, moving people into new roles, and investing ahead of income. It’s been rewarding, but a steep learning curve.
Landscape architecture is inherently creative, but the business side has to be solid too – commercially, technically and culturally. Getting that balance right is the ongoing challenge.
How do you relax?
Golf and football – mostly watching, though I still get out on the course when I can. We’re currently working on a project at The R&A, so I’m particularly looking forward to playing there.
Where do you feel most at ease?
Outdoors – whether I’m skiing, walking the dog, or at the beach in Elgin with family.
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you most fancy doing?
Probably something property-related – though I’m not sure what exactly. Landscape has always been the plan.
Favourite places you’ve travelled?
Canada and the US stand out, both for work and holidays. I also visited Nepal about 20 years ago, which was unforgettable. And I’ve always appreciated the quality of public realm in places like Luxembourg – it’s thoughtful, understated and really well executed.
Oliver Smith