Last Friday, Lorna and I attended the RIAS LIVE event in Dundee, an insightful day that brought together architects and professionals to discuss a wide range of topics relevant to the industry.

The discussions covered everything from working internationally and urbanism to restoration projects such as the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh and the HMS Unicorn in Dundee. There was also an interesting exploration of British railways and their architectural legacy, providing plenty of food for thought about the intersections of history, infrastructure, and modern design.

For us, the event was a great way to meet CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements while gaining practical insights and inspiration. Topics like restoration and urbanism resonated with our own interests and projects, offering new perspectives we hope to integrate into our work.

The venue in Dundee (DCA), paired with its local architectural context—particularly the ongoing HMS Unicorn restoration—highlighted the importance of preserving heritage while embracing innovative approaches to design.

At Houlet Studio, events like RIAS LIVE help us stay connected with industry developments and consider how these ideas might influence our own practice. If you attended the event or have thoughts on the topics discussed, we’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation.