June 30 2023

The Scottish Design Awards (SDA) has closed out its 2023 programme with a deluge of over 60 awards, presented on a night of high drama in Glasgow.

The black-tie gathering proved the maxim that design in all its forms is a medium best explored when engaging all the senses, with over 400 guests receiving a warm welcome in person to share stories of individual and collective success.

Over 120 companies and organisations submitted class-leading work, presenting plenty for two parallel judging panels to chew over. Ultimately it was BDP who took home the best-in-show awards for for Newmains & St Brigid’s Community Hub. Our judges remarked: "It’s a fun place. The way they dealt with that ceiling... What!? The drawings are close to what was delivered, which shows commitment from the client. It sets the standard that should be maintained for primary schools. We’ll all go home and think of that school. It’s money well spent."

The chair's award for architecture meanwhile went to Prestonpans Civic Square with Heather Claridge, design director at Architecture & Design Scotland, who awarded the rankinfraser, Narro, Irons Foulner, Morham and Brotchie, Alliance CDM with personal recognition.

Claridge commented: “A small intervention has become a bigger catalyst. It's raised the bar and makes you turn your head. Simple moves have transformed this site and opened up views of the sea, in the process a new public space has been sensitively created that promotes improvement and is a destination in itself.”

Other big winners on the night included jmarchitects who were crowned architectural practice of the year and Adelle Jess claimed the Young Architect of the Year trophy. Pitlochry Festival Theatre meanwhile wore the client of the year crown.

The class of 23 demonstrate the breadth of talent and resilience of a fast-evolving industry but more than that the flow of new people, fresh ideas and upstart practices helped to sow the seeds for future awards success.

A full list of winners can be found at the Scottish Design Awards.

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