Laura Kinnaird

Laura Kinnaird Associate Director Reiach and Hall Architects Laura Kinnaird is an experienced architect and designer with over two decades at Reiach and Hall Architects, where she has contributed to many of the practice's most celebrated projects across the cultural, educational, residential, healthcare and leisure sectors. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of place, materiality and the social value of architecture. She was Project Architect for the Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre in Lanarkshire, shortlisted for the 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize, and has played a key role in delivering a number of award-winning projects that exemplify the studio's thoughtful and rigorous design ethos. Alongside her design work, Laura leads the practice's marketing and communications, manages its portfolio and is a central member of the bid team. Her role bridges creative and strategic thinking, helping to shape new opportunities and communicate the studio's work to a wider audience. Laura has acted as an assessor for a range of design awards, including the Civic Trust Awards, the AJ Architecture Awards and the WAN Awards. She is also actively involved in wider industry and community initiatives through the University Design Forum's events and conference group, serves as a trustee of the Spifox children's charity, and is co chair of the Edinburgh & Lothians branch of Down's Syndrome Scotland.

What top tip would you give to this year's entrants?

Focus on how your project supports people living together, not just individual homes. Be clear about how the layout, shared spaces and wider setting help build community, and show how design decisions improve daily life. Straightforward, well‑resolved work with a clear purpose always reads stronger than over‑worked presentation.