Growing Scotland’s architecture sector

We will work with the sector and our partners to achieve our vision, mission and purpose.

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Growing Scotland’s architecture sector

Our work

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. 

Sector Development

Working with partners to remove barriers to growth, increase capacity and create opportunities in the architecture and built environment sectors through focused areas of activity

People sat down at an event and looking at the presenter.
A&DS & RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture 2025, Erika Stevenson

Grow Scotland’s architecture and design sector

Our principal role will be to support the architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design sectors to grow. We will do this by:

  • Connecting Scotland's design expertise to international markets
  • Working to remove barriers to growth within the procurement and planning systems
  • Providing resources to help practices to grow.
  • Showcasing design excellence.
  • Promoting the value of design

Accelerate quality housing growth

Our work will look at creating the conditions to build better, faster and more affordable housing by piloting new design-led models that challenge the status quo.

Four story housing development with gardens, raised beds and aseating area.
Alloa, Primrose Street

Designing homes for Scotland

We work with local communities and the Scottish Government to shape what future housing will look and feel like. We also work with housing associations and developers to ensure housing today is built to prioritise the people who live there. This will include:

  • Applying our design expertise to unlock housing sites to ease the housing emergency for people in Scotland.
  • Supporting efforts to increase the use of Scotland’s Modern Methods of Construction capabilities.
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Public Sector Capital Investment

Evidencing design impact through our work in Healthcare and the Learning Estate to improve delivery and outcomes in the wider public sector capital investment and support Public Sector Reform

Wooden shelter with a grass-covered roof in a park, surrounded by young trees and a few people standing inside.
The Howff, Outdoor Learning Hub at Queen Margaret University

Designing learning environments for all

We work with the Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust and local authorities to support anyone involved in designing learning estates across Scotland. We share our expertise, coordinate advice, and produce resources on subjects such as local and outdoor learning and accessible and inclusive design.

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Parkhead Hub, Glasgow
Parkhead Hub, Glasgow designed by Hoskins Architects

Designing health and social care facilities for patients and staff

We work alongside the Scottish Government Health & Social Care Directorate (SGHSCD) and Health Facilities Scotland (HFS) to support health boards and those who commission new or substantially redevelop facilities create healing places for people in Scotland.

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Digital innovation to support the architecture and design sector

Using digital innovation to amplify A&DS’s impact by combining data-driven approaches and digital tools with our core design expertise

People listening in to a panel discussion at the AI in the City Public Forum at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
AI in the City, Aly Wight

Using Digital innovation to support the architecture and design sector

Using digital innovation as a cross-cutting theme in all our work to amplify our impact by combining data-driven approaches and digital tools with our core design expertise. We will do this by:

  • Implementing emerging AI, data and digital technologies

Acting on the Climate Emergency

Embedding net-zero principles and climate resilience throughout our work.

School playground with students walking and sitting near a grass-covered arch and a modern brick school building under cloudy sky.
Montgomorie Park Primary School designed by rankinfraser landscape architecture

Use design to address the climate emergency

We will work across our focus areas and with partners to ensure design can help tackle the climate emergencies and benefit the people of Scotland.

  • Support the implementation of policy through design-based approaches.
  • Champion the power of Scotland’s design sector to tackle the climate emergency.

Helpful tools and resources

We have plenty of useful and inspiring documents and videos to help you get started or keep going.

Explore our resources

Our latest news, blogs and 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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Header image credit: Miss Lydia Photography