A Scotland where the power of design improves lives

Modern hospital courtyard with wooden benches, raised flower beds, paved walkway, and greenery under a cloudy sky.

Scotland’s architecture and design sector is made up of a multitude of disciplines to create buildings and spaces that benefit the people of Scotland. By being the centre for excellence for architecture and design in Scotland, we lead by example, promote the benefits of good design, support the sector and seek strategic change.

About us

Driving innovation, positive change and growth in the architecture and design sector in Scotland

Our purpose is to grow the architecture sector for the benefit of the people in Scotland. To do this, we will:

  • Amplify Scotland’s architecture and design sector
  • Tackle housing and climate emergencies
  • Increase digital innovation
  • Support public sector capital investment projects
Explore our focus areas

New partnership and business plan announced

Architecture and Design Scotland, the Scottish Government’s architecture and design agency, brought together key industry leaders at an event at their base at Edinburgh Futures Institute on Tuesday evening, to announce their Business Plan for the year ahead, two new strategic partnerships and a preview of A&DS:SpACE, which will be a temporary exhibition and event space, where Scotland’s architecture sector will be showcased.

Learn more

Browse our case studies

Explore a wealth of examples and projects from across Scotland and beyond, covering everything from healthcare facilities and learning environments to housing and town centres.

A group of people stands near a wooden structure with a grassy roof, surrounded by trees at the Outdoor Learning Hub at QMU.

Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail: a learning resource on a university campus
A boy standing at the entrance of the Skye Mobile Micro Home. The exterior walls are black metal cladding.

Using offsite construction for housing delivery in Scotland
A photograph of the entrance to Dumfries and Galloway hospital - the roof line is made of triangular shapes, and the building is made of light coloured stone.

Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
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News, events and insights

A poster of the RIAS awards with people milling in the background.

Exhibition of the 2026 RIAS Award Winning Projects
RIAS Bookshop Late event "How to Build a City" event information and location.

RIAS BookshopLATE...How to Build a City with Gabriella Bennett
People sitting and talking at a meeting.

Career Conversations: speed mentoring afternoon with RIAS Careers Studio and A&DS
What do good neighbours, communites and homes look like event as part of Hopeful Housing Futures exhibition, event details.

What do good neighbours, communities & homes look like?
Making Ideas Happen Workshop with event information related to Hopeful Housing Futures exhibition.

Workshop - Making Ideas Happen
Build a Street Together Stewards workshop as part of Hopeful Housing Futures exhibition event details.

Workshop - Build a Street Together: Stewards
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Throughout 2026, we will refresh our website to reflect our focus areas better. If you have any problems using the website, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Main image credits: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Elgin and Appin Wards, Stobhill Mental Health Hospital designed by Keppie Design and photography by Paul Zanre Photography.