THE winners of the Scottish Design Awards 2023 have been revealed during a ceremony in Glasgow, after more than 120 companies and organisations submitted work for the annual event.
The Architecture Grand Prix accolade went to BDP for Newmains & St Brigid’s Community Hub, a project described as making a lasting impression on the judging panel with a design that is ‘not afraid to have a little fun’.
The Chair’s Award for architecture went to Prestonpans Civic Square with Heather Claridge warming to a ‘small intervention that has gone on to become a bigger catalyst for the area’.
The Architecture Practice of the Year title went to jmarchitects for presenting ‘great diversity of work at different scales’ throughout the competition.
Alistair Scott, co-founder of Smith Scott Mullan Associates and a member of the architecture judging panel, said, “The future of Scottish design is bright, but I feel we don’t get nearly enough exposure internationally and events like these awards should help to promote our skills to a wider audience and hopefully provide future opportunities.”
Heather Claridge, architecture chair and director of design at Architecture and Design Scotland and fellow panellist, added, “It was great to see such a variety of projects and there were some exceptional entries which exemplified people-centred and carbon-conscious design. I particularly enjoyed seeing how functionality, fun and future-proofing had been achieved, through good design.”
The other side of the creative divide saw recognition for Glasgow Life with the Design Grand Prix for the Burrell Collection, awarded for inspiring return visits to an institution which had become tired.
Elsewhere, the Chair’s Award for design went to Fortytwo Studio for Ebb&Upwell, with Rod Gillies, brand director at Whyte & Mackay, stating, “I never knew seaweed-pressing was a thing until I saw this, now I want to dive in and find out what it’s all about.”
Touch was named Design Agency of the Year for a demonstration of ‘accessible simplicity’ in the firm’s work.
Looking ahead to the next generation, Adelle Jess was named Young Architect of the Year while her design compatriot was Evie Grace Caldwell, chosen for a knack for conveying ‘personality and humour’ in her work.
Design judge professor Gordon Hush, head of the Innovation School at the Glasgow School of Art, commented, “The breadth of projects submitted, the levels of skill displayed in the execution of the design projects being judged, and the lively and detailed debate amongst the judges brought home to me just how important awards of this type are – they recognise and celebrate the best of the creative spirit and its application.”
James Simpson, design director at Love Creative, added, “It has been a privilege to be able to recognise creative talent and hopefully the awards ignite a spark in designers and inspire them to continue exploring the depths of their imagination and craft, pushing the envelope of design even further.”
A full list of award winners can be found on the Scottish Design Awards website.
