Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) has begun the search for a conservation-led design team to lead the restoration of the Bernat Klein Studio, Peter Womersley's celebrated Category A-listed building in the Scottish Borders.

A Contract Notice has been posted on Public Contracts Scotland, with bids required by 12:00 on Friday 11 September.

The appointed team will be responsible for developing designs for the full restoration of the Studio.

Dr Samuel Gallacher, Director of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: "The Bernat Klein Studio is one of the most significant buildings of its era in Scotland, and this appointment of a design team is the point at which we progress from rescue to restoration.

"Indeed, this is a seminal project for SHBT, a new approach to conserving modernist architecture. We are looking for a team with the skill and imagination to bring a remarkable building back into use, and to do justice to the legacies of both Bernat Klein and Peter Womersley."

-- Advertisement --

The restoration is being led by SHBT in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and the Bernat Klein Foundation. The trio formed the Bernat Klein Studio Coalition in July 2025, securing ownership of the property at public auction after a high-profile crowdfunding campaign that raised over £33,000 in just over a week, alongside financial backing from the National Trust for Scotland.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) is supporting the procurement process for the design team.

Tamsie Thomson, Chief Executive of RIAS, said: "Following the inspiring, community-led campaign to save the Studio from decades of neglect, this tender represents a call to action for outstanding design teams. RIAS welcomes the opportunity to support the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, the Bernat Klein Foundation and the National Trust for Scotland in bringing forward a high-quality restoration that respects the original architecture while creating an inspiring permanent home for the Bernat Klein Foundation. We eagerly anticipate the visionary concepts this process will bring forward."

The project's first phase is backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other supporters, including the Architectural Heritage Fund, Pilgrim Trust, Path Fund, William Grant Foundation and Scottish Borders Council.