Why now is the moment to join the Architecture and Design Scotland Board

(Note: To read the blog by our board member Caroline Parkinson, where she reflects on her experience as a board member, please click here.)

Architecture and Design Scotland is entering one of its most exciting chapters yet and we’re opening recruitment for three new board members to help shape the next phase of our national design mission. 

Over the past year, we’ve been working closely with the Scottish Government to refine our focus and strengthen the contribution we make to Scotland’s built environment. As board member Angela Bonney reflects in the launch film, this renewed direction brings “a focused view of the areas where we can make real impact”, building on the expertise across Architecture and Design Scotland and our partnerships with organisations across Scotland and beyond.

Board member Alistair Scott shares his excitement to see “Scottish architecture taking place on the world stage”. And he thinks the new role and remit of Architecture and Design Scotland as a centre for excellence and sector development body provides an opportunity “for architects to be promoted abroad and make it better for the next generation.”

He emphasises that the board thrives on diversity: alongside architects, there are voices from creative industries, marketing, education and beyond. No one should feel they have to “fit a mould” to join. Curiosity, contribution and commitment matter most.

For Kirsty Macari, who is currently serving as interim Chair, board membership has been both a professional challenge and a personal opportunity to give something back to an organisation that supported her early career.

She believes this is a pivotal moment for Architecture and Design Scotland:

Kirsty sees huge potential for Architecture and Design Scotland to expand conversations beyond traditional partners, open up new collaborations, and bring design thinking into more of Scotland’s places, professions and communities.

If you’re motivated by design, inspired by Scotland’s potential, and ready to contribute to a small but high-impact national organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

You don’t have to be an architect.
You don’t need prior board experience.
You do need to care about how design improves lives.

Or, as Alistair Scott puts it:

More information about how you can apply or about the role can be seen on Public Appointments Scotland’s website here.

We are also hosting an evening online information session on 25 March at 18:30 – 19:30. You can register for the event here.