A current initiative we have is looking at developing a Design Award Scheme as we see this linking in with getting the local authority to also employ a design champion.

We want to show that we are the leaders in recognising excellence locally. The amount of buildings that are erected that are constructed with no imagination really does annoy us. We have decided to investigate an Award scheme to shame the powers that be that only schemes that benefit the community will be accepted.

We are also thinking about a top 10 list of the worst buildings although that will come a little bit further down the line. (again if anyone has done something similar we would love to hear about it.

I have created a poll to see if between us we can work out how many Civic Societies are organising Design Awards. Information like this would be really useful to show to our local authority to get financial support.

Helensburgh Civic Society has recently run a competition to find ideas for the town’s seafront site. The competition was run in conjunction with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, and was open to the students of six schools of Scottish architecture. The aim was to encourage the revitalisation of the pier environment and enhance the seafront so that it can provide space for leisure, recreation and tourism.

To read more, visit http://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/articles/1/22809

We have been organising a design award for about 6 years now. At first we had great difficulty in seeking the funding but we approached the local planning officer (who I have to admit is really excellent) he provided a little bit of seed funding to get us going. We had 5 applications in the first year and a small ceremony but each year we have got bigger and bigger. We are pleased to say a building we gave an award to last year was recently criticised by Prince Charles - although I do not think that is such a bad thing!!! I would happily give any advice to people who want to learn more about setting this up.

Hi MCHang,

I was wondering how you fund your Design Award. Is it with sponsorship or application fees?

Louise