Architecture and Design Scotland - A&DS

09/09/2026

🏛️ A&DS:SpACE opens 15 September at Level 0, Edinburgh Futures Institute, access by Middle Meadow Walk

Architecture and Design Scotland and Space for Architecture, Carbon & Environment are launching a new temporary venue dedicated to exploring architecture, design and the built environment.

Over the coming months, A&DS:SpACE will host a varied programme of exhibitions, talks, screenings and events covering topics including housing, climate action, mass timber construction, AI in design and award-winning architectural projects.

The venue is designed to spark discussion, inspire collaboration and help people engage with the buildings, places and environments that shape everyday life.

Free entry to exhibitions unless otherwise stated.

👉 View the full programme and find out more on our website: https://bit.ly/3U8lfEH

17/08/2026

We're thrilled to have joined The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for the in-person judging of this year's A&DS & RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture.

The quality of work submitted by students across Scotland was truly inspiring, showcasing the creativity, insight and ambition of the next generation of architects.

A huge thank you to the judging panel Alistair Scott, Kuan Loh and Rory Flyn, and everyone who entered.

We're looking forward to sharing the shortlist soon and celebrating some outstanding student projects.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Alistair Scott, Kuan Loh and Rory Flyn to Rutland Square for the in-person judging of this year’s RIAS & Architecture and Design Scotland - A&DS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture.

It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together our judging panel to review the work of Scotland’s emerging architectural talent and celebrate the creativity, ideas and ambition of the student work.

A huge thank you to our judges for giving their time and expertise, and to all the students who submitted projects.

We look forward to sharing more about this year’s awards and celebrating the shortlisted projects soon!

You can learn more about our student awards on our website here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xF5Dz0 (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xF5NV0)

07/07/2026

The focus set out in the business plan will see us play a more active role in supporting the architecture and design sector, while enabling the delivery of more homes and high-quality public buildings and spaces across Scotland. In this video, our Chief Executive, Jim MacDonald, shares our five key focus areas of work for 2026/27 and beyond.

To learn more about what we do, visit our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4w8YhuU

Film by Lateral North

03/07/2026

We spoke with Rab Bennetts, Founder of Bennetts Associates, to explore what it will take for Scotland’s architecture and design sector to truly thrive and the role that is needed to advocate for good design.

This video forms part of the publication of our business plan for 2026/27, and to learn more about what we do, visit our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4w8YhuU

Video by Lateral North

30/06/2026

Episode 3 now live: Towards a culture of value – architecture in Scotland today

In the latest episode of the Value of Design podcast, we explore the challenges and opportunities shaping architecture in Scotland today.

Featuring Tamsie Thomson (The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) and Caitriona Jordan (BE-ST), the conversation looks at how we can shift from short-term, cost-driven decisions to a long-term understanding of the true value of design.

Topics include:
- The need to better articulate design’s social, economic and environmental value
- The gap between policy ambition and real-world delivery
- How collaboration across industry can unlock scalable solutions
- Architecture’s role in addressing the climate emergency

With insights from across practice, policy and innovation, this episode highlights how Scotland can build on its strengths to deliver better outcomes for people, places and the wider economy.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or SoundCloud 👉 https://bit.ly/4eMjvYi

23/06/2026

We interviewed Mhairi Grant from Paper Igloo Architects and Eilidh Henderson from Page\Park Architects to hear their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities faced by architects in Scotland.

This video forms part of the publication of our business plan for 2026/27, and to learn more about what we do, visit our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4w8YhuU

Video by Lateral North

19/06/2026

Our role is to champion the value of design to demonstrate how design can help us navigate through difficult times in a very focused way.” – Jim MacDonald, Chief Executive, Architecture and Design Scotland

If you’d like to learn more about how design shapes the places we live, work and spend time in, head to our website to find out more: https://bit.ly/4fDtEbR

Video by Lateral North

27/05/2026

We are delighted to share a new summary report from our most recent shared learning event, which supports those delivering the Learning Estate in Scotland. This summary highlights three school projects, illustrating two common themes: community and Passivhaus design. They go beyond traditional educational spaces, serving wider community needs and aligning with Scottish Government and COSLA learning strategies.

Schools featured include:
- Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus
- Faifley Community Campus in West Dunbartonshire
- Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy in Dundee

Read key learnings captured from the March 2026 shared learning event on lessons learnt from completed LEIP projects 👉 https://bit.ly/42u6D3r

📸 Drumgeith Community Campus library, a project by Holmes Miller

26/05/2026

One month to go!

Students from Scotland's six architecture schools have until 25 June at 12 PM to submit their entries for this year's A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture.

Don't miss your chance to showcase your work and be recognised 🏆

If you're unsure of how to submit your entries, we are also hosting an online Q&A event with last year's winners. More info below 👇

12/05/2026

📢 The A&DS and RIAS (The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) Scottish Student Awards for Architecture is now open for submissions! More information below👇