Welcome to Architecture and Design Scotland
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.
Designing to improve lives
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.
Visit our ‘How we help’ page to learn more about what we do, and our ‘Resource library’ for useful publications, toolkits and case studies.
Latest resource
Designing for inclusive and accessible learning environments
Inspired by our work at Craighalbert Centre, the Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments, we have developed a suite of digital resources which explore how design can help to create safe, accessible, and nurturing spaces for every pupil, regardless of their needs. Explore animated videos, user experience scenarios, spatial ideas, and key principles to understand how design can positively impact learning for children with or without Additional Support Needs (ASN).
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.
Responding to change
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.
News, blogs & events
Unlocking Town Centre Living: insights from private sector engagement
The Recap: A weekly update from Architecture and Design Scotland
Value of Design campaign: how design can improve everyday spaces, buildings and places
Inspiring the Learning Locally project: lessons from Armadale
The Recap: A weekly update from Architecture and Design Scotland
