Eleven “exceptional” buildings have been named today (Friday) as winners of the annual RIAS Awards by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). The 2025 RIAS Awards recognized a diverse range of architectural projects, including new homes, education buildings, restored castles, a road bridge, a whisky distillery, and even Scotland’s newest prison and young offender institution. The winners were selected by an expert jury who assessed each building’s architectural integrity, usability, context, delivery, execution, and sustainability.
The 11 winners of the 2025 RIAS Awards will now be considered for the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, which is one of the most significant architecture prizes in the world. The shortlist for the Doolan Award will be announced in July, with the winner being revealed in November. Additionally, recipients of the 2025 RIAS Awards are eligible for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Awards. The judges praised the projects for their innovative approaches to public-realm regeneration and their ability to transform the sense of place in various cities.
The jury for the 2025 RIAS Awards was chaired by Jessam Al-Jawad, who visited the projects alongside fellow judges to evaluate each one. The winners showcased a wide range of responses to Scotland’s landscapes, communities, and heritage, demonstrating a deep care for context, sustainability, and the people who use these buildings. The judges were impressed by the talent displayed in Scottish architecture today, noting the extraordinary breadth of skills and creativity in the field. Each winning project was commended for its unique contribution to the architectural landscape of Scotland, from conservation efforts to bold public architecture.
