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 of 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

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, blogs and events

A group of people sit around a white table with multi coloured notes and pens

We are hiring: Design Officer (Fixed-term opportunity)
2026 A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture logo

A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture 2026
The words value of design podcast episode 2 with images of Alex, Jenny Jones and Fiona Smyth.

How our landscape can shape learning, living and the design of our buildings
Caroline Parkinson speaking into a micrphone whilst sat down on a chair at the AI in the City event.

Caroline Parkinson on being a Board Member of A&DS
Three board members sat on a oval table during a meeting.

Why now is the moment to join the Architecture and Design Scotland Board
Architecture and Design Scotland board members sat down in a meeting.

Could you be one of our new Board Members?
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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.