AIM-listed SMC Group Plc, one of the largest architecture practices in Scotland and the UK, has changed its name to Archial Group Plc, following approval by shareholders at a General Meeting at the start of the New Year.

The new corporate identity is part of a larger consolidation process which is a reflection of the company's dedication to working in a more streamlined and unified fashion. This will ensure that the experience and expertise held throughout the Group's 26 offices in the UK and abroad are shared.

Bob Hall, Archial Group Chairman Scotland, said: "This is a very exciting development for the company. Our ability to fully share the diverse skills and resources we have throughout our network of offices will provide us with the opportunity to provide an even higher level of service to all of our clients. With the hundreds of highly creative architects and designers within the Group, I am extremely optimistic about the future of the Archial Group.

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"The Archial Group is already one of the largest and most successful architectural companies in Scotland and the UK, with a rapidly increasing presence in Asia and the Middle East, and the restructuring and improvements to our existing working practices that are accompanying this name change will benefit all of the company’s stakeholders."

Recent projects undertaken by Archial in Scotland include: Inverclyde Schools PPP; Chevron House, the new HQ for the oil company in Aberdeen; Clydebank College; the award-winning Dumfries Dental Centre; retention by the Devanah group of Housing Associations to create £70m of social housing in the North East over three years; the extension to Edinburgh Airport and the design of Borders primary schools.

The Archial Group employs around 200 staff in Scotland, operating from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness. Group turnover in 2007 was £44.2m and in the first six months of 2008 was £22.1m.

The rebranding follows the 2006 acquisition of established Scottish practices Davis Duncan Architects, Hugh Martin Partnership, Jenkins and Marr Architects and Parr Architects by the SMC Group for £10.7m

(GK/JM)