An inspiring podcast hosted by Architecture and Design Scotland, facilitating discussions on architecture and design, featuring influential figures from design, architecture and the public sector.
In Episode 4 of the Value of Design podcast, we find out if architecture can respond to a world shaped by climate change, housing pressures, emerging technologies and shifting social priorities.
Co-hosted by Architecture and Design Scotland's Urban Designer Alex Laurenson and Outreach Officer Rachel McBryde, this episode features the Directors of STUDIO NIRO, Rowan Mackinnon-Pryde and Nicky Thomson.
Together, they reflect on their experience attending the UIA World Congress of Architects in Barcelona, one of the world's largest gatherings of architecture and design professionals. Drawing on insights from international discussions around housing, circular design, material reuse, artificial intelligence and the changing role of architects, they explore what Scotland can learn from global perspectives and why the value of design extends far beyond the buildings we create.
Guest speakers
- Co-hosts: Alex Laurenson (Urban Designer) and Rachel McBryde (Outreach Officer, Architecture and Design Scotland
- Rowan MacKinnon-Pryde, Director and Co-Founder, STUDIO NIRO
- Nicky Thomson, Director and Co-Founder, STUDIO NIRO
Resources
- Learn about Architecture and Design Scotland (https://www.ads.org.uk/)
- Learn about STUDIO NIRO (https://www.studioniro.com/)
- Learn about The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 Barcelona (https://uia2026bcn.org/)
29 Jun 2026
Towards a culture of value – architecture in Scotland today
In Episode 3 of the Value of Design podcast, we explore what it means to move “Towards a culture of value” in architecture across Scotland today.
Co-hosted by Urban Designer Alex Laurenson and Architecture and Design Scotland Chief Executive Jim MacDonald, this episode features Tamsie Thomson (RIAS) and Caitriona Jordan (BE-ST).
Together, they discuss the shift from cost-driven decisions to long-term value and how architecture can help tackle the climate emergency, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities shaping Scotland’s built environment.
Guest speakers
Co-hosts: Alex Laurenson (Urban Designer) and Jim MacDonald (Chief Executive), Architecture and Design Scotland
Tamsie Thomson, Chief Executive, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
Caitriona Jordan, Associate Director of Retrofit and Energy Efficiency at BE-ST
Resources
Learn about our Business Plan 2026/27 and new partnerships (https://www.ads.org.uk/news/new-partnership-and-business-plan-announced)
Learn about RIAS (https://www.rias.org.uk/)
View the RIAS Award 2026 winners (https://www.rias.org.uk/about/news/2026-may-)
Learn about BE-ST (https://www.be-st.build/)
23 Mar 2026
How our landscape can shape learning, living and the design of our buildings
What if the spaces between and around our buildings matter just as much as the buildings themselves?
In this episode, our hosts, Design Officer Alex Laurenson and Principal Designer Lesley Riddell-Robertson, are joined by guest speakers to explore how landscape design can shape the way people learn, live and connect.
With contributors from education, architecture and landscape architecture, we uncover why Scotland’s future depends on smarter, more intentional investment in our landscapes.
Guest speakers
Fiona Smyth (Headteacher, Montgomerie Park Primary School)
Jenny Jones (Senior Landscape Architect CMLI, rankinfraser landscape architecture)
Karen Anderson (President of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland)
Danny McKendry (Principal Landscape Architect, Architecture and Design Scotland)
With thanks to the 2025 Learning Places Scotland Conference (https://www.learningplaces.scot) and the 2026 Landscape Institute Housing and Regeneration Conference (https://landscapeinstitute.org/updates-and-events/li-events/national-housing-and-regeneration-conference-tour/) for hosting our podcast interviews.
Resources
Learn more about climate-ready school grounds (https://www.ads.org.uk/resource/climate-ready-school-grounds)
Explore the Montgomerie Park Primary School landscape design by rankinfraser landscape architecture (https://www.rankinfraser.com/education/montgomerie-park-primary-school)
Explore the Montgomorie Park Primary School design by jm architects (https://jmarchitects.net/montgomerie-park-ps/)
Learn about the Shared Learning Events (Learning Estate Investment Programme) (https://www.ads.org.uk/resource/shared-learning-events-learning-estate-investment-programme)
Learn more about the Landscape Institute (https://landscapeinstitute.org/)
Learn more about The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (https://www.rias.org.uk/)
22 Aug 2024
Designing for lasting benefits
In the first episode, our Director of Design Heather Claridge and Director of Land Use Consultants (LUC) Duncan McLean walk through the HamiltonHill Claypits Local Nature Reserve discussing the importance of designing for lasting benefits through the Glasgow canal regeneration project.
Host: Heather Claridge
Guest speaker: Duncan McLean
Resources:
About Architecture and Design Scotland (https://www.ads.org.uk/about)
About Land Use Consultants (LUC) (https://www.landuse.co.uk/about/)
Learn more about the HamiltonHill Claypits Local Nature Reserve (https://claypitslnr.co.uk)
Upcoming event - What next for place? Unlocking the power of place: design, data & collaboration (https://www.ads.org.uk/event/what-next-place-unlocking-power-place-design-data-collaboration)
Learn more about Architecture and Design Scotland's Value of Design campaign (https://www.ads.org.uk/blog/value-of-design)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Value of Design
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Value of Design?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
