Welcome to Architecture and Design Scotland

People listening in to a panel discussion at the A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture 2025.

Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) is Scotland’s national champion for the design of the built environment. As a public body, we support those who plan, fund, and use Scotland’s buildings and places. Our team draws experience and insights from a range of backgrounds and professions, providing advice, producing resources, and sharing learning to transform places through design.

About us

Designing to improve lives

At Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS), we believe that design has the potential to make Scotland’s places work better for everyone by providing inspiration, supporting needs, and resolving complex issues.

We are here to ensure design plays that unique role, by working across multiple Scottish sectors, including learning, healthcare, climate and housing.

Learn more about what we do by visiting our 'How we help' page. You can also explore our 'Resource library' for useful publications and toolkits, find best practice examples in our 'Case studies library', and stay up to date with articles on our 'Blogs hub'.

A multi-level modern interior featuring stone walls and open spaces, with people reading and working in a bright, inviting atmosphere.

Upcoming event

Roundtable events on our forward programme

Following a strategic review of architecture policy implementation, Architecture and Design Scotland’s role is evolving. This February, we are hosting roundtable sessions for architects, landscape architects, and urban designers across Scotland. Join us as we share our forward plans and invite your insights and questions.

Spaces are limited – register your place today!

View event details

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

View case study

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

View case study

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

View case study

View all case studies

Edinburgh Futures Institute (Image credit: Bennetts Associates)

Edinburgh Futures Institute (Image credited to Bennetts Associates)

A new direction

In June 2025, the Scottish Government published a summary of its 2024 review into architecture policy delivery in Scotland, alongside a series of recommendations. This marks the start of a new chapter for Architecture and Design Scotland. The recommendations set out a remit for us to refocus our work on architecture and design, positioning the organisation as a centre for excellence that supports sector-wide development through collaboration, insight, and innovation.

Read the latest update here