Any questions? +44 (0) 131 229 7545 info@rias.org.uk
The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, Edinburgh – Malcolm Fraser Architects Ltd
© Dave Morris
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
The RIAS office has been closed but the RIAS staff will continue to respond to members' requests, priorities and activites. To find out above current arrangements and contact information view this news artlcle.
Please note that following the First Minister’s announcement on 11th June, the Scottish Government guidance has been updated. View the guidance.
It states: "Work on construction in the following sectors should only restart in a measured and controlled way, as per phase 2 of the Construction Scotland Restart Plan, and in line with all relevant health and safety legislation, public health guidance, and the industry’s Site Operating Guidelines. It remains the position that work in these areas can only proceed if physical distancing is maintained".
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.
Find an architect
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
Latest news from RIAS
19 March 2020
RIAS Business and Practice Bulletin
Updated 3rd July 2020
The RIAS is compiling information for members and will post regular details to support you in accessing information. Further details and information are also posted to the UK Government Business Bulletin updates also on the RIAS Website.
view more news
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
BP2010
Back to Work in the Construction Sector? Things You Need to Know
Many of our Practices attended the MacRoberts webinar on _Back to Work in the Construction Sector? Things You Need to Know_ which took place on 16 June 2020 for RIAS members.A team of specialists from MacRoberts legal teams discussed the issues businesses need to consider when planning and implementing their return to work.
23 June 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
The Ghosts of Water Row, Glasgow – Edo Architecture
© Julia Bauer
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