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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.
learn more about the RIAS
Updates from the executive staff
The RIAS team are continuing to work remotely (with Rutland Square remaining closed to visitors) and are happy to respond to members' requests, priorities and activities. To find out about current arrangements and contact information view this news article.
The Scottish Government guidance has been updated. View the guidance.
For the latest information and advice regarding the coronavirus, view this news article which will be updated on a regular basis.
ARB has developed some initial guidance for those on the Register.
Read the Architects Benevolent Society's COVID-19 Statement here.
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Latest news from RIAS
31 July 2020
RIAS Pandemic Impacts - Reflections from Retired Members
Thank you to all Retired Members who responded to the Surveys to allow RIAS to understand the impacts of Covid C-19 and Lockdown on their lives. A summary of the findings can be viewed here.
17 July 2020
RIAS Pandemic Impacts- Looking Ahead
Thank you to all of you who responded to the surveys to determine the impacts of Covid 19 and Lockdown on our Members and Practices. A summary of the findings can be viewed HERE.
16 July 2020
New animation outlines benefits of certification in Scotland’s post-pandemic construction landscape
Scotland’s building standards scheme providers, of which RIAS-Regs is a key member, have released a new animation explaining the vital role of certification to Scotland’s construction sector.
30 June 2020
RIAS Elects Youngest Ever Candidate as President
Christina Gaiger FRIAS has been elected the next President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). Christina took over from Robin Webster OBE at the Incorporation’s AGM on 30th June 2020 (this took place as a virtual event and a recording of it can be viewed below). Christina will serve as President initially for one year, with the option to submit for re-election for a further year
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Latest tweets
Tweets by RIASmembershipCreating spaces for inspiring conversations
RIAS Strategy 2019-2024
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
For Practices
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
FI2023
Good practice when certifying work for clients and mortgage lenders
In September 2020, an Ayrshire-based architect was removed from the Register for a project where he had signed professional consultant's certificates for a new-build flatted development but failed to adequately inspect the works.
13 October 2020
OS2011
Planning Act commencements: Regulations on Planning Obligations
Regulations have been laid in the Scottish Parliament to bring into effect the procedural changes for the modification and discharge of planning obligations, along with a clarification about what planning obligations may comprise. The regulations will come into force on 18 November.
13 October 2020
view more information about RIAS Services for Practices
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.
view services for the public
Pennywell Residential Regeneration, Edinburgh – Barton Willmore
© Urban Union
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.
view RIAS Awards
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.
view Doolan Award
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.
view RIAS/A&DS Student Awards
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.
view more information about RIAS Services for Students
Contacting Us
Address
15 Rutland SquareEdinburgh
EH1 2BE
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 229 7545