Sandy Greig, a 2026 graduate from the Mackintosh School of Architecture’s (MSA) DipArch programme, has been awarded the RIAS Rowand Anderson Silver Medal for Best 5th Year Student in Scotland. The awards were announced at the 2026 Andy MacMillan Memorial Lecture, held at Edinburgh Futures Institute on 18 September. A remarkable achievement, this is now the fifth consecutive year that a Mackintosh School of Architecture graduate has been awarded this accolade, with Emelie Christina Fraser in 2025, Euan Clarke in 2024, Rachel Crooks in 2023, and Karlis Kukainis in 2022, all previous winners of the prestigious medal.
The RIAS Rowand Anderson Silver Medal judges’ commendation was given to MSA Stage 5 graduate Marcelina Janis, who also won the RIAS Andy MacMillan Drawing Award, and was co-winner of the A&DS Designing in a Changing Climate Award alongside fellow MSA Stage 5 graduate Alisa Carrigan. Stage 5 Leader and tutor Miranda Webster, and studio tutor Thomas Woodcock were both shortlisted for the RIAS Tutor of the Year award.
Sandy Greig’s winning thesis, Nourishing Life: Restoring Yangsheng along the Fangjia Hutong, provides a holistic guide to modern living rooted in ancient texts. Everyday activities— sharing tea, eating congee, singing in the park, playing Weiqgi, dancing— all fall under the Yangsheng nourishing ritual. The hutongs are an enduring image of Beijing, made up of Siheyuan (courtyard houses) and Hutong (alleys), densely packed single-storey housing sprawling outward from the central axis.
Wide-scale demolition, tourism, low incomes, tenuous living status and an ageing population make daily life difficult. The government’s ‘Beautification’ has stripped street life from the hutongs, plastering over vibrancy with ‘traditional aesthetic’. Informal building and makeshift extensions within Siheyuan courtyards have removed a vital semi-private space for daily ritual. This thesis proposes architectural interventions along Fangjia Hutong to reinstate spaces for Yangsheng practice. Loose-fit infrastructure provides flexibility for a variety of Yangsheng activities, nourishing life along the hutong.
“We are very proud of Sandy’s success winning the 2026 RIAS Rowand Anderson Silver Medal for his thoughtful, evocative thesis proposal offering flexible architectural interventions within Beijing’s historic Fangjia Hutong. Sandy’’s project presents sensitive and respectful adaptations to counter urban decay and reinforce community wellbeing, and restore heritage, and vibrant daily street life.” Said Professor Sally Stewart, head of the Mackintosh School of Architecture.
“For a GSA student to secure Scotland’s premier architectural award for best final year student for the fifth consecutive year is a remarkable achievement for the Mackintosh School of Architecture. This sustained success highlights the extraordinary quality of studio teaching across our programme and the commitment and engagement of our students, as we continue to cultivate, train, and encourage outstanding new design talent. Huge congratulations to Sandy and all our recognised Stage 5 graduates.”
Judges comments on Sandy Greig’s winning thesis;
“This outstanding project presents a compelling vision for the renewal of Beijing’s historic Fangjia Hutong, skilfully balancing heritage, community wellbeing, and urban regeneration through a series of thoughtful interventions that enrich everyday life and strengthen the existing urban fabric.”
The Royal Incorporated Architects of Scotland Awards, in tandem with Architecture & Design Scotland, bring together the five schools of architecture in Scotland to celebrate the continuing high standards of Scottish architecture.
Details of Sandy’s winning thesis can be viewed on the 2026 Undergraduate Showcase HERE, and a list of Mackintosh School of Architecture students whose works were recognised at this year’s awards is included in the editors’ notes below.
For further information, please contact press@gsa.ac.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The RIAS Rowand Anderson Silver Medal for Best 5th Year Student
Winner – Sandy Greig
Commendation – Marcelina Janas
The RIAS Andy MacMillan Drawing Award
Winner – Marcelina Anna Janas
Commendation – Sandy Greig
Architecture and Design Scotland Designing in a Changing Climate Award
Winner – Ailsa Carrigan
Winner – Marcelina Anna Janas
A&DS Award for Best 3rd Year Student
Commendation – Ailsa Jane Carrigan
Commendation – Max Berner
Commendation – Amelia Mackintosh
A&DS Urban Design Award
Commendation – Sandy Greig
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