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 from across Scotland and beyond, covering everything from healthcare facilities and learning environments to housing and climate-led design approaches.

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
A group of students sit and walk on a wide stair case inside a building

In-between spaces in further education

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News, blogs & events

An aerial view of Housing at Caerlee Mill, Innerleithen with trees and green spaces.

Unlocking Town Centre Living: insights from private sector engagement
People talking around an air fryer at the Place Standard Armadale event.

The Recap: A weekly update from Architecture and Design Scotland
Collage of interviewees that took part in the campaign.

Value of Design campaign: how design can improve everyday spaces, buildings and places
Attendees at the Place Standard Armadale event pose above a map and smilling at The Den venue.

Inspiring the Learning Locally project: lessons from Armadale

Flood resilience design including an integral swale with plants and bridges leading up to the houses at the Inverness Housing Expo

The Recap: A weekly update from Architecture and Design Scotland
people sitting around different tables listening to a person speaking into a microphone - there is a screen on the wall at the back

Place Forum 5: What Next for Place? Unlocking the power of place: design, data and collaboration

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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.