The Stamp Office

Designing with Legacy in Mind: A Workplace Inspired by History

At Keppie, we believe that every space should tell a story—and in the case of the Stamp Office in Edinburgh, that story is deeply rooted in the building’s heritage and civic significance. Dating back to 1779 and now a Category A listed building, the Stamp Office has played a key role in the city’s administrative history, once managing and administering national stamp duties. Located at 10 Waterloo Place, it now offers a prime destination office space, benefitting from excellent local amenities and proximity to the vibrant St James Quarter.

Our scope involved the subdivision of Level 04 into two distinct office suites, designed to appeal to a range of business types and working styles. The challenge was to create a workplace that respected the building’s classical character while delivering a contemporary, functional environment suited to today’s users.

Our interior design approach embraced the building’s historical context, reinterpreting it in a way that responds to modern workplace needs. We proposed a scheme that not only reflected the building’s heritage, contextual importance, and the charm of its Georgian façade, but also introduced informal, relaxed spaces for collaboration, areas for privacy and focus, and home comforts that support wellbeing and productivity.

Working closely with our client, we advised on materiality and FF&E selections—every element carefully considered to balance heritage with innovation. The palette was curated to echo the textures and tones of the original interior: natural finishes, muted colours, and tactile materials that create a sense of continuity with the past while supporting a calm, professional atmosphere.

Visualisations played a key role in shaping the shared vision, helping to communicate spatial intent and atmosphere from the earliest stages. The result is a workplace that feels both grounded and forward-looking—a thoughtful blend of old and new, where legacy meets functionality.