RSAW Design Week returns this autumn with a dynamic and inspiring line up of events celebrating architectural excellence, innovation and the future of the built environment in Wales.
Highlights of this year’s programme include an exclusive visit to Nyth, the RSAW 2025 Building of the Year, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore this award winning project and hear from the team behind its design.
The week culminates in a special evening at The Parkgate Hotel, where we will celebrate the achievements of emerging talent at the 2025 RSAW Student Awards. The evening will also feature a public exhibition and showcase of entries to the Reimagining Central Square design competition a visionary initiative to reimagine one of Cardiff’s most important civic spaces.
Join us for a week of insight, creativity and connection, as we highlight the people, projects and ideas shaping the future of architecture in Wales.
Monday
RSAW West Wales Branch: Guest talk and question and answer session with Dig Mattholie, Dig Architects
Online, 1pm to 2pm
The West Wales Branch invites you to an online lunchtime talk with Dig Mattholie of Dig Architects, as part of the RSAW Design Week 2025 programme. Dig will present an overview of some of the practice’s most significant projects, reflecting their design approach and architectural values. The talk will place particular emphasis on the acclaimed ‘Millbrook’ scheme, exploring its concept, development and impact.
This is an opportunity to gain insight into Dig Architects’ recent work and to hear directly from Dig about the ideas shaping their design process.
Tuesday
Sustainable Glass in Architecture: A Talk with Tyra Oseng-Rees
Online via Microsoft Teams, 12pm to 1pm
Join us for an inspiring lunchtime webinar with Dr. Tyra Oseng-Rees, founder of Oseng-Rees Reflection, a consultancy and design studio specialising in artisan, bespoke fused recycled glass artworks. Tyra is dedicated to transforming post-consumer glass waste into stunning, sustainable materials for architectural and interior applications, blending artistry, innovation, and a strong commitment to circular design.
In this session, Tyra will present the research and development journey behind her distinctive fused recycled glass material – a durable, stone-like surface designed for use in wall cladding, privacy screens, illuminated reception desks, bespoke awards, and more. She’ll offer insights into its production process, technical testing, and the collaborative evolution that shaped it.
The talk will feature case studies, including the award-winning glass wall at the Buttermarket commission, illustrating how this sustainable material has been successfully applied in heritage-sensitive environments. Tyra will also discuss how her work contributes to reducing the carbon footprint through innovative reuse of materials and highlight how architects and designers can incorporate recycled glass into their own projects.
The session will conclude with an interactive question and answer segment, giving attendees the opportunity to explore practical applications, ask technical questions, and consider the future of sustainable glass in architectural contexts.
To register email RSAW@riba.org
Wednesday
RSAW Mid Wales Branch: Churches tour
In person, 12.30pm to 4:30pm
Join the RSAW Mid Wales Branch on a visit of St. James' Church, Llangua, where in the care of Friends of Friendless Churches, the architect Andrew Faulkner and conservation builders Jones and Fraser have undertaken a thorough but sympathetic restoration of the building. Drawing on historic information, the church has been lime washed to protect its fragile stonework, returning colour to one of our medieval churches. Director of Jones and Fraser, Tom Jones, will give a tour and talk of the building and their work.
The lunch beforehand is optional and not included with the ticket tour. Full details of the location to be shared after registering your place.
RSAW North Wales Society of Architects: Building tour and talk at Nyth, Bangor
Frân Wen, Nyth, Garth Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2RW, 4pm to 8pm
Join us at Nyth in Bangor, RSAW’s Building of the Year 2025, for an evening of architecture and conversation with Manalo and White, the architects behind this award winning project.
Two guided tours (4:30pm and 7:00pm, each lasting one hour and limited to up to 20 people) will offer an in depth look at the design and story of the building, followed by a chance to ask questions and chat informally. Between tours, enjoy drinks and nibbles hosted by the North Wales Society of Architects (NWSA).
Friday
RSAW Celebration evening and Central Square design competition showcase
The Parkgate Hotel, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1DA, 6pm to 9pm
Join us at the Parkgate Hotel for a celebration of architectural talent in Wales, featuring the RSAW Student Awards and the Reimagining Central Square competition showcase. The event honours students from Wales' two RIBA-accredited schools and highlights innovative proposals from architects reimagining Cardiff’s Central Square as a sustainable, inclusive public space. Open to RIBA/RSAW members and Chartered Practice employees, the competition calls for designs that enhance connectivity, celebrate heritage, and promote biodiversity. Built environment professionals and students are invited to attend, celebrate excellence, and explore fresh ideas shaping the future of architecture in Wales.
RSAW Design Competition: Reimagining Central Square, Cardiff
The Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) is inviting RIBA/RSAW members and chartered practices, including students, to take part in a conceptual design competition to reimagine Central Square in Cardiff. As a key civic, cultural, and transport hub, the competition seeks innovative, inclusive, and sustainable design proposals that enhance the public realm, improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, and celebrate Cardiff’s heritage and future ambitions. Designs should integrate with existing infrastructure such as Cardiff Central Station, the BBC Cymru Wales HQ, and Capital Quarter, while allowing flexibility for everyday use and major events at the nearby Principality Stadium.
Submissions must be presented on an A1 board and delivered to our RSAW office by Wednesday 1 October 2025, with winners announced at the RSAW Celebration evening event on 10 October 2025.
If you plan to enter the competition, please email your name and email address to the RSAW team at RSAW@riba.org.
