The Scottish Borders Design Awards are set to return in 2025, marking 40 years since their launch in 1984.
This year’s awards will continue to celebrate outstanding architecture and renovation across the region. Held biennially, this event showcases excellence in design, placemaking, and sustainability, while addressing modern challenges like the climate crisis and housing affordability.
The 2025 awards will also recognise a broader range of achievements, encompassing the natural environment and the nature crisis. This ensures entries that go beyond the built form are welcomed.
Projects that strengthen the connection between buildings and their surroundings, enhance public interaction with spaces, and improve the character and function of streetscapes and open areas are welcomed.
Entries must clearly show how they contribute to environmental transformation or stewardship to align with the Awards' core mission.
Projects may be entered into more than one category where appropriate and new categories and criteria have been introduced to reflect expanded priorities.
Award Categories
2025 award categories:
- Building / Place of the Year
- Small Project Award
- Large Project Award
- Regeneration and Conservation Award
- Residential Project Award
- Placemaking Award
The Scottish Borders Design Awards are now open for projects completed between September 2021 and June 2025.
Those wishing to apply have until Sunday 31 August 2025.
Councillor Simon Mountford, Executive Member for Planning and Community Assets
“It is great to see the Scottish Borders Design Awards back for another year and celebrating such an impressive 40 year milestone.
“These Awards not only help celebrate the highest quality in building design across the region but also reflect our ambition to ensure development enhances the environment and the lives of those who live and work here.
“With sustainability and climate responsibility now central to good design, the 2025 Awards place strong emphasis on innovative, low-carbon, and heritage-conscious approaches.”
More information and entry forms can be found on the Design Award pages on our website.