Attwood Lecture 2026

Join the HIAA as we hear from Karen Anderson (PPRIAS) as she receives the Attwood Award Shield from the Provost of Inverness. Join us for the Annual Attwood Lecture 2026! Date: Wednesday November 25 2026 Doors Open: 6:30pm for light refreshments Lecture: 7pm - 9pm Location: Inverness Town Hall Each November, CPDC H&I (Continuing Professional Development in Construction – Highlands & Islands) brings together professionals, students and the wider public for the James Attwood Memorial Lecture and Shield Award at Inverness Town House. This year, it is the turn of the Highlands & Islands Architectural Association (HIAA) – the northernmost chapter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland – to nominate the speaker. We are delighted to welcome Karen Anderson, architect, educator and former President of the RIAS, to deliver the 2026 lecture. Karen is a founding partner of Anderson Bell Christie and has spent her career exploring how good architecture can make a meaningful difference to people and places. Karen is a past President of both HIAA and the RIAS and her contribution reaches far into the profession. She is currently Visiting Professor at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment and Chair of Wasps, the UK’s largest provider of artists’ studios and creative workplaces, which is now developing as a Creative Land Trust. She has also served as a Royal Fine Art Commissioner and Chair of Architecture and Design Scotland and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a member of its Environmental Community of Interest, advocating for responsible design that puts carbon reduction and biodiversity at its heart. Karen will be speaking about 'Creativity as Strategy' and exploring various architectural projects that display the need and opportunity for creativity in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. The Attwood Lecture is open to everyone – whether you work in architecture and construction, are studying or simply have an interest in the future of Scotland’s places and communities. Join us at Inverness Town House this November 25 for an evening of ideas, conversation and inspiration.