The architectural community mourned the loss of alumnus Iain Wylie, Executive Director at Austin-Smith:Lord, on 13 May 2022. Now, two years on from Iain’s sudden passing, his friends, family and colleagues have founded the Iain Wylie Travel Award for final-year students from ECA's Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). 

Iain's journey in architecture began at ECA (Edinburgh College of Art), where he graduated in 1987. Throughout his career, Iain left his mark as a respected architect, business leader, and advocate for design quality. He garnered many accolades for his innovative designs and leadership, including becoming a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) in 2014. His legacy of excellence and commitment to his profession continues to inspire, prompting the establishment of the Iain Wylie Travel Award in his memory. 

In recognition of his impact on the profession, the Iain Wylie Travel Award has been created as a joint effort by his family, friends, and colleagues, with funding from Austin-Smith:Lord. This annual award aims to commemorate Iain's dedication to both people and his profession by giving a life-changing opportunity to a student from ECA's Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). 

The Iain Wylie Travel Award looks to empower undergraduate students in their final year of study to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of architecture or landscape architecture through travel. It is designed to challenge recipients to explore new perspectives, cultures, and approaches to practice, echoing Iain's commitment to professional and personal development.  

Awarded by an academic panel in ESALA, the Travel Award will recognise students who have displayed academic excellence, with a focus on those who may be experiencing additional barriers to their studies. The first recipient of the award will be announced in May 2024 and will be a student from Architecture, alternating between Architecture and Landscape Architecture students each year. 

The initiative honours Iain's legacy and embodies his values of inclusivity, excellence, and continuous learning. By allowing students to experience diverse architectural contexts firsthand, the Iain Wylie Travel Award aims to foster the next generation of architects who, like Iain, will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This award not only offers a unique learning opportunity but also serves as a steppingstone in the recipient's career, opening doors to new professional connections and opportunities. 

In establishing this award, Iain's family, friends, and colleagues ensure that his memory is a source of inspiration and opportunity. It is a testament to his remarkable legacy and influence on Scotland's architectural community and beyond. 

Travel awards and student experience gifts are vital for our students. If you would like to discuss making a gift to ECA please contact Rachel Bruce, Philanthropy Manager, to hear more about how you can support ECA at rachel.bruce@ed.ac.uk.