Who are we?

We are the Highland and Islands Architectural Association (HIAA) - the northernmost Chapter of the RIAS.

We are a community of architects at the northern and western edges of Scotland, connected by a shared passion for architecture, place and professional excellence.

With around 200 members spread across mountains, lochs, cities and islands, we stay connected through events, award ceremonies and building visits.

The chapter are guided by a small Council of volunteer members who meet online every Quarter. We discuss what’s happening on our area and hear what RIAS are working on, plan events, awards....and anything else we think will promote architecture in the north of Scotland!

We are always looking for new members, so if you’re a student or architect living or working in the HIAA region, we’d love to hear from you!

Our History

The Inverness Architectural Association (IAA) was formed in 1916 as a federated ‘Chapter’ of the RIAS. The IAA brought together architects and promoted good architecture in the region for more than one hundred years!

In the 1980’s, the IAA established local groups in Shetland, Skye and the Western Isles to better connect Chartered Architects across our vast region and in 2022, we decided to change our name to the Highlands and Islands Architectural Association (HIAA) to better reflect our reach and scope of the membership.

Today, the HIAA region is as big a Belgium - we cover the area from Forres in the East, to Fort William in the South, Shetland and Orkney in the North and the Skye and Outer Hebrides to the West.

Looking for an Architect?

If you’re looking for an architect, our members bring the experience and local knowledge to take on projects of any scale or complexity - from small domestic extensions to the conservation of historic castles, or even masterplans for entire towns and cities.

We also might be able to do more than you expect. Some architects have skills to engage with communities, shape vibrant streetscapes, or even help secure funding - come and speak to us, we might be able to help more than you think!

Because we live and work in the Highlands and Islands area, we understand the local climate, communities, planning authorities, and contractors. That means we’re perfectly placed to deliver design that is creative, practical, and deeply rooted in its context.

Find an Architect local to you, today!

View Directory

Current Council

President: Eilidh Izat - Izat Arundell, Western Isles

Past President: Catriona Hill - Oberlanders, Inverness

PRAXIS: Ruairidh Moir - BARD, Western Isles

Secretary: Marcus O’Connell - Dualchas, Skye

Treasurer: Janet Philip - Janet Philip Architect, Banff

Council: Neil Ferguson - Neil Ferguson Architects, Skye

Council: Charles Girdler - DOMUS, Newtonmore

Council: Mhairi Dobie - Studio Hebrides, Western Isles

Council: Karen Manson - PJP Architects, Shetland

Council: Marc Williamson - PJP Architects, Shetland

Join our Council