Vacancies
Vacancy: Chair of Architecture and Design Scotland
Do you want to lead Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) into a new future of transformation and impact?
A&DS is Scotland’s champion for good architecture and sustainable design. Established in 2005, A&DS work with partners across sectors to promote design excellence, support skills and understanding, and embed a strong focus on place in how Scotland plans, creates and renews its built environment. As an Executive Non‑Departmental Public Body, their work directly supports the Scottish Government’s national outcomes.
Following a recent government review, A&DS is entering an exciting new chapter. They are refocusing their remit to act as a centre for excellence in architecture and design - strengthening collaboration across the sector, driving innovation, and delivering insight that supports better housing, climate resilience, public service reform and sustainable economic growth.
A&DS’s future work will centre on sector development, public sector capital investment, and housing, underpinned by cross‑cutting themes of digital innovation and climate action.
They now seek a Chair to guide the organisation through this period of change and opportunity.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Chair, you will lead the Board and ensure A&DS delivers its functions in line with Scottish Ministers’ priorities. This is an influential role with significant strategic impact.
You can find out more information and how to apply on Public Appointments Scotland website
Deadline for applications is 23 March.
On 25 February, we hosted an information evening on the Chair role. Here is a copy of the presentation shared on the night. Please note that all relevant information is available in the application pack on Public Appointments Scotland website
For an informal chat about the role please contact Jim MacDonald using info@ads.org.uk
Vacancy: Members of the Board (up to 3)
Scottish Ministers now seek to appoint up to three Board Members who will be key to A&DS delivering the review outcomes and the new ambitions. Members will provide support to the Board Chair, help to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance in times of reform and change. The role involves strategic thinking, providing vision, inspiration and constructive challenge and the ability to hold others to account.
You can find out more about this opportunity on Public Appointments Scotland's website. Closing date: 16 April 2026.
Information session - Wednesday 25 March
Architecture and Design Scotland, the Scottish Government, and Public Appointments Scotland are hosting an online information session for candidates interested in applying for the current board vacancies. Find out more about the role, the process of applying and post your questions about the roles on our board.
It will be held online on Microsoft Teams from 18:30 to 19:30 - register for your place here.
Working with Architecture and Design Scotland
Buildings and places have a huge influence on the quality of our lives and our wellbeing.
We know from experience that a place is better when the people who live there work together to shape it. If you join Architecture and Design Scotland, you will get to meet an extraordinary group of talented and committed people who work to ensure we fulfil our objectives. If you are inspired to help to create Scotland’s places and you have a passion to clearly communicate the benefits of this approach, we would love to hear from you.
Our values
Architecture and Design Scotland is here to help people. We can only do this by using the talent, energy and skills of our staff and our shared values.
Explore our values here
Application forms
Please note that there are no current vacancies, and we do not accept unsolicited applications. Please note that the recruitment for the Chair position is not handled by Architecture and Design Scotland and you must use the details on Public Appointment Scotland's website.
General information about applying for a role with A&DS (Not board/chair roles)
To apply for a role with Architecture and Design Scotland you must use our application form, as well as providing an Ethnic monitoring form.
Please make sure that you have read the individual recruitment packs to find out what other information you need to supply.
Application form (Word document) - click here
Ethnic monitoring form (Word document) - click here
For any questions please email recruitment@ads.org.uk
Recruitment privacy notice
If you apply for a role with Architecture and Design Scotland you will be required to supply us with personal information about yourself. Find out how we deal with and manage this data by clicking on this link.
Header image credit: Miss Lydia Photography