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
A&DS:SpAce logo on a pillar with people talking and networking in the background.
Image by Aly Wight

A&DS:SpACE

A&DS:SpACE is a collaborative venue by Architecture and Design Scotland and Space for Architecture, Carbon & Environment, hosting events and exhibitions about all aspects of the built environment. Located in the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh it will initially run from September - December 2026. 

View programme

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&DS:SpAce logo on a pillar with people talking and networking in the background.

New temporary Edinburgh venue to explore architecture, design and the built environment
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
2026 A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture logo

The A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture exhibition
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?
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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.