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Dumfries and Galloway Council is delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 Design Awards, recognising outstanding architectural and design achievements in the region. The prestigious awards aim to celebrate and honour remarkable projects that contribute to the enhancement of the built environment in Dumfries and Galloway.

This year’s awards are for development or building works completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2023 (as development slowed down in the last few years due to lockdown restrictions, so the 2023 Design Awards cover four years).

The winners were selected from a strong pool of candidates, showcasing the diverse and innovative design talent within the area. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed professionals from the fields of architecture, planning, and design, carefully reviewed each submission and assessed them against various criteria, including sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to promoting excellence in architecture and ensuring that our region continues to thrive with beautifully designed buildings and spaces. Dumfries and Galloway Council believe that good design should be accessible to all and that it can positively impact our quality of life. By recognising and celebrating exceptional architectural projects, we aim to inspire others to strive for excellence in their designs.

Dumfries and Galloway Council would like to extend congratulations to all the winners and express gratitude to all the participants for their exceptional submissions. These projects exemplify the commitment to design excellence and contribute significantly to the overall quality of life in Dumfries and Galloway.

The results for this year’s awards are attached.

Speaking on behalf of the independent judging panel, Mark Douglas said:

“The judging panel was delighted that this year’s Design Awards attracted 35 entrants from across the region and covered a variety of projects, large and small, including the reuse of existing buildings as well as new build projects. It was a daunting task to draw up a short list of projects to visit over two days, which given the geographic spread of the entries was limited to a total of 14 projects. We acknowledged the work that all entrants had undertaken in submitting their entries and enjoyed looking at all these, all of which had merits – there was definitely a strong theme of sustainability running through all the projects from both clients/end users and designers.

Architecture plays a vital role in shaping the character and identity of a place. It has the power to inspire, uplift, and create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge the architects, designers, and construction professionals who have made significant contributions to our built environment across the region. It is hoped that the projects that have been given awards and commendations can be used as positive examples of good design to encourage future developments in the region.

As we come together to celebrate the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards, let us appreciate the beauty and significance of architecture in our lives. May this event serve as a reminder of the impact that good design can have on our communities and inspire us to continue creating spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally efficient.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council's Economy and Resources Committee Chair, Cllr Ian Carruthers, said:

“I am delighted to be a part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards 2023. This event provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the outstanding architectural achievements in our region. The awards not only showcase the talent and creativity of architects and professionals but also highlight the importance of good design in our communities.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the architects, designers, and construction professionals who have taken part in this year’s Design Awards. Your dedication, passion, and innovation have truly transformed the architectural landscape of Dumfries and Galloway.”

Cllr David Inglis, Vice Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, said:

“I congratulate all the winners and nominees of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards. The Design Awards are an opportunity to highlight the outstanding projects that have transformed our towns, villages, and landscapes. It’s a chance to celebrate the unique character and heritage of Dumfries and Galloway, while also embracing contemporary design and innovation.

I encourage everyone to explore the remarkable architectural achievements within Dumfries and Galloway. The Design Awards showcase some of the very best of what our region has to offer, and I am confident that they will continue to inspire and drive innovation in the years to come.”