The awards bring together education and architecture expertise to recognise excellence and achievement in the Scottish education sector, with this year’s theme being Connecting People, Places and Learning. The awards celebrate innovative solutions and how the built environment can support the best possible educational outcomes.

BDP also saw three of its education design projects shortlisted six times in four categories with Maidenhill Primary School and Nursery scooping the top prize in the Inspiring Learning Spaces Category. Maidenhill Primary School is designed around a central atrium that contains interactive zones, the calming interior environment has been designed to accommodate sensory differences and provides flexible learning areas.

Ayr Grammar Primary School was shortlisted for Project of the Year for going beyond the boundaries of education to provide a multi-generational community offer, preserving the legacy of education on the site through adaptive re-use whilst delivering a learning environment for the 21st Century. Meanwhile, Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr was shortlisted for its interactive learning environment and sports facilities for the wider community to enjoy.

Lindsey Mitchell, architect director at BDP, said: “At BDP, we are passionate about providing educational environments that support and nurture young people and we are incredibly proud to accept the Architecture Practice of the Year award.

“Every school project starts with extensive consultations with the stakeholders – a process of collaboration that is central to BDP’s way of working.  Our aim is to create an inspiring place to learn.

“We recognise the diverse learner population and the different ways people learn and as architects and creators of education spaces, it is our job to design learning and social environments that spark imagination and creativity. That is why the teaching and learning spaces at Maidenhill are agile and flexible.”