Lucy & Yak, Edinburgh
A flagship Scottish store delivered with pace and precision
This project marked the fourth successful collaboration between Source One Consulting and Lucy & Yak, delivering their first ever Scottish retail space located in the heart of the city.
The Edinburgh store was more than a new opening. It represented a shift in brand direction, the rollout of updated design guidelines, and a non-negotiable opening deadline aligned to Black Friday weekend. From day one, it was a programme that demanded flexibility, decisiveness, and complete ownership of delivery.
“This project reflected everything we value at Source One… flexibility under pressure, clear communication, and delivering exactly what was promised, even when the brief evolves.”
“This project reflected everything we value at Source One… flexibility under pressure, clear communication, and delivering exactly what was promised, even when the brief evolves.”
Lisa Lewis, Managing Director
The Brief
Lucy & Yak had secured a new unit in central Edinburgh for their first Scottish store. The brief was clear:
- Deliver a complete internal fit-out aligned to new brand guidelines
- Translate internal VM drawings into a physical, buildable space
- Open on time for Black Friday weekend, with no flexibility on the handover date
This was a fast-paced retail programme from the outset, requiring confident decision-making and tight coordination across all trades.
The Challenge
This was a time-critical retail programme with a fixed handover date aligned to Black Friday weekend.
As the project got underway, the scope of works expanded significantly following a major revision to the store design. The updated scheme introduced additional complexity across all trades, increased working at height, and materially extended the volume of works, all while the completion date remained unchanged.
Once on site, further constraints emerged, including the need to replace the existing fire alarm system to meet compliance requirements.
The challenge was not simply the scale of the build, but maintaining control of programme, quality, and coordination while absorbing substantial change within a compressed timeframe.
The Solution
Source One took full ownership of the project, providing end-to-end project management, design coordination, and delivery.
Key works included:
- Full strip-out, including removal of the suspended ceiling
- Exposure and treatment of the original ceiling, including distemper paint removal
- Installation of new jumbo walls and bespoke changing rooms to client design
- Full internal redecoration, now working at heights exceeding 5 metres
- New lighting installation on galvanised tray systems
- Complete replacement fire alarm system
- New power distribution throughout the building
- CCTV installation
- New LVT flooring throughout
- Installation of retail racking and custom-cut, oiled shelving
- Upcycling an existing cupboard to create a modern, bespoke till point
- Cabling and installation of new illuminated lightboxes
As supply chain pressures emerged, components were redesigned and adapted on the fly to avoid delays. Tasks traditionally left until late-stage were brought forward, and sequencing was re-engineered to protect the handover date.
What Made the Difference
What stood out on this project was not just speed, but controlled adaptability.
The revised scheme demanded extensive working at height, additional labour, and tighter coordination, yet the project was still delivered within the original timeframe, with no compromise to finish quality.
The team remained calm, collaborative, and solutions-focused throughout. Challenges were absorbed without escalation, and the site ran with momentum right through to completion.
The Outcome
The store was handed back on time, snag-free, and ready to trade.
The store manager described the space as exceeding expectations, commenting on how the internal VM vision had been brought to life exactly as imagined… and in several areas, elevated further through build quality and finishes.
As Lucy & Yak’s first Scottish location, the store makes a confident statement for the brand and sets the benchmark for future rollouts under the new design language.
Reflection & Insight
This project exemplifies what makes Source One different.
- The ability to absorb major design changes without losing control of programme
- Confidence to re-sequence works dynamically under time pressure
- Strong internal delivery teams capable of solving problems at pace
- A partnership-led approach built on trust and shared accountability
As the fourth completed project for Lucy & Yak, the Edinburgh store further reinforces Source One’s role as a reliable delivery partner for fast-moving retail brands rolling out nationally.
Why This Project Matters
- Demonstrates Source One’s capability in time-critical retail delivery
- Highlights flexibility under live design change
- Strengthens credentials for national retail partnerships and rollouts
- Reinforces a proven, repeat-client relationship
A Partner You Can Trust
As a family business, Source One have been helping companies create better spaces since 2002 – from offices and commercial interiors to retail, education and healthcare.
Find out more about Source One by downloading our brochure or our case studies
We would love to discuss your interiors project, big or small, so please call us on 08456 031585 or use our contact form and we will call you.
