RIAS/Knauf Architectural Interior Award
Sponsored by building materials leader Knauf, this award serves to identify and reward architectural interior design excellence, celebrating designs that shape the buildings we live, work and play in ranging from homes, clubs, hotels and offices to healthcare and educational facilities. The award recognises that architectural projects have a focus on the interior layout of a building and the importance that design excellence has in enhancing the user experience of a building. Entries nominated for this award are judged on the innovative use of interior space, the movability through the space, use of materials, the aesthetic and interior fit-out.
Introducing our new sponsor for 2027
Introducing Knauf Ceiling Solutions, bringing together the expertise of two global ceiling leaders, Armstrong Ceilings and Knauf AMF, under one brand.
Their acoustic, multi-material ceilings and walls portfolio helps architects, interior designers and contractors create spaces that combine visual appeal with technical performance. From mineral to metal, wood to wood wool, they provide design-led system solutions for offices, education, healthcare, retail, transport and hospitality.
Supported by technical know-how and digital innovation, their systems are developed to meet high standards for safety, efficiency, and performance.
Together, they help shape functional, inspiring interiors that enhance the built environment and support architecture worldwide.
Previous Winners
2025
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Bennetts Associates
As a core part of the building’s redesign, the interiors are exceptionally conceived and executed. Where the former infirmary was designed with long corridors and limited access to enable infection control, new arrangements on both sides of the corridors now deliver a substantial communal resource – replacing separation with integration. This features a range of flexible spaces for various audience sizes, including a major event space below a new public square. By combining clarity, fine detailing, and careful materiality, the building embraces a new identity of stone, colour and texture and delivers spaces that are flexible, inspiring, and highly functional.
2024
Caochan na Crege, Isle of Harris by Izat Arundell
This self-build home in the Outer Hebrides is an exceptional project by young practice Izat Arundell. The interiors are restrained but richly textured, with warm-toned lime plaster walls, polished concrete floors embedded with local aggregate, Scottish larch ceilings and finely crafted beech joinery. Artworks collected by the couple are positioned in carefully planned locations, and each room has a distinct character..
2023
Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Moxon Architects
A hillside farmstead overlooking the River Dee has been restored, reinstated and reinvented following a decade-long project of careful reconstruction. The judges described the building as a project that contains highly crafted interventions, working with local cabinetry makers and steelworkers to create an exquisitely detailed and mesmerising interior.
