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Welcome to
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) is a champion of Architecture and the Built Environment in Scotland. It supports the interests of its growing membership, united through its six regional Chapters, to promote the importance of well-designed buildings and places.
RIAS is a registered charity run by, and for, its members.
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Find an architect
Creating spaces for inspiring conversations
There has never been a more vital time for the RIAS and its members to be active in Scotland’s conversation about architecture and the built environment.
RIAS has a unique role to play by applying the creativity and experience of its members across Scotland to help individuals, communities and businesses to develop a higher quality, more sustainable built environment that will stand the test of time.
This new 5-year strategy “Creating space for inspiring conversations” seeks to open up and widen dialogue. It has been shaped by our members, all of whom are active in communities across Scotland. They are effective collaborators; and share a passion for buildings and places that can bring important economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits.
Download the strategy
Latest news from RIAS
9 October 2019
Norwich council estate named UK’s best new building – 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize WINNER
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has this evening (8 October 2019) named Goldsmith Street in Norwich, designed by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley, as the winner of the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize. The annual prize, presented since 1996, is awarded to the UK’s best new building.
7 October 2019
RIAS Andrew Doolan Award Winner 2019
£140m Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience Scoops Scotland’s Best Building Award
The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience, Aberlour, by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners wins the 2019 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.
Seven worthy winners of RIAS Awards for 2019 were shortlisted for the coveted 2019 Doolan Prize.
10 September 2019
Architects officially on Shortage Occupation List
RIBA Repsonds
The RIBA has today responded to the Home Office's announcement confirming that architects have officially been added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
6 September 2019
UK Exit from EU and Status of Architects
Issus relating to the status of architects in relation to the UK Exit from the European Union
Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Citizens Rights - are Reserved to UK Government. Scottish Government officials liaise with UK Government counterparts to present Scottish interests.
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The RIAS Practice Department tackles legal and contractual issues, commissioning, fees, appointment arrangements, insurance problems, dispute resolution and legislation as well as monitoring the work of other industry bodies. All of this feeds back into CPD for architects.
The RIAS Practice Department offers advice and information to interested parties such as clients, other construction professional bodies, trade associations, MSPs, the Scottish Government, Local Authorities as well as gathering essential statistical information about the profession. The Practice Department also advises on dispute resolution.
Latest Practice Notes from RIAS Practice Services
OS1914
Building Standards: an introduction to some new clauses in Section 2 FIRE of the Technical Memoranda
The following extracts, from, and references into the new guidance added to the Technical Handbooks 2019 have short explanations and/or comments on the application of the new Clauses.
31 October 2019
OS1913
The Future for Planning in Scotland: The Planning Act, Delivering Reform and Next Steps for the National Planning Framework
Report on the Conference on Scotland Planning Policies, 10 October 2019, Edinburgh which sought to cover extensive ground with key note speakers from Scottish Government and Planning Aid Scotland supported by speakers from practice, the profession and commerce.
24 October 2019
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Working with an Architect
Whatever the size of your building project, it makes sense to consult a professional. Architects offer unrivalled training and experience in the design and construction of buildings. Architects provide a service that extends well beyond producing a set of drawings. Adept at identifying the aspirations and needs of their clients, architects will bring their special skills, knowledge and experience to a project.
The RIAS offers a wide range of services for members of the public and organisations to help them commission a chartered architect or practice for their building project. These include:
The RIAS Directory of Architectural Practices and Projects
Information about Scottish architectural practices and their recent projects. Use the "Find an architect" search below to find an architect near you or one that specialises in a particular building type.
The RIAS Client Advisory Service
If you’re planning an alteration, extension or a new-build, the Client Advisory Service is here to help you through the process of commissioning an architect, including advice on appointment documents, building permissions and work stages. In the unlikely event of a dispute arising with your architect, the RIAS can advise.
Specialist Skills
The RIAS can also provide lists of architects who are specialists in the fields of conservation, sustainability and energy design certification.
RIAS Consultancy and Design Competition Service
The RIAS Consultancy has over 25 years' experience in managing design competitions and other quality-based processes for selecting design teams. We work with both the public and private sectors and projects range from community buildings to high-profile and iconic structures.
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(c) Susie Lowe
Architectural Awards in Scotland
RIAS Awards
The combined RIAS/RIBA Awards demonstrate the quality and breadth of current architectural endeavour in Scotland. Projects represent the very best of urban and rural projects, from small hours to large public buildings.
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RIAS Doolan Award
The RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award’s objective each year is to find and celebrate the best building in Scotland. The architects of the winning building receive the RIAS Gold Medal and a cash prize, making this one oft the most significant architecture awards in the world.
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RIAS / A&DS Student Awards
Our Student Awards, in tandem with Architecture & Design Scotland, are an annual highlight – marking the vigour of Scotland's architectural schools and the tremendous talent of our student members. The future of architecture is in their hands – and certain to be both careful and invigorating.
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Drifting City / Venice
Douglas Tullie, Ben Watson, Phoebe Yu – Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
© Douglas Tullie, Ben Watson, Phoebe Yu
For Students
Architects make a unique and far reaching contribution to the built environment. Their designs should be responsive to social, cultural and environmental issues, utilising the rich potential of science and technology to achieve quality in the design of spaces, forms and details. For architects to play this effective and rewarding role, a great deal of skill and knowledge are required.
Becoming a Student member of the RIAS is the first step towards your professional career. RIAS Student membership is free to all architectural students studying at one of the five schools of architecture in Scotland.
If you are interested in a career in architecture or want more information about one of the Scottish architectural schools, browse the dedicated section for students.
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Contacting Us
Address
15 Rutland SquareEdinburgh
EH1 2BE
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 229 7545