Alison Hamilton-Pryde is an Associate Professor of Design at Heriot-Watt University, where she also serves as the Global Programme Director for the Undergraduate Interior Architecture and Design programme. In this capacity, she provides academic and strategic leadership across the Scottish Borders and Dubai campuses.

As an Interior Architect and Environmental Designer, Alison is deeply engaged in advancing research and professional practice across the disciplines of interior and architectural design. Her work is informed by a commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships, and community-centred initiatives that seek to enhance the built environment and improve the quality of life for its users. She integrates these professional experiences into her pedagogical practice, enriching teaching and learning activities that foster essential graduate attributes and design thinking skills.

Alison holds a Bachelor of Design with Honours in Interior and Environmental Design from the University of Dundee (2005). Following her degree, she established a diverse professional career in multidisciplinary design practice, working with several firms as a Senior Interior Architect and Environmental Designer.

Prior to joining Heriot-Watt University as an Assistant Professor in 2014, Alison lectured at the City of Glasgow College, where she taught BA (Hons) Interior Design students in collaboration with Caledonian University, as well as Further Education students in interior, product, and furniture design.

In 2025 she earned her Senior Fellowship with Advance HE, and in 2015 she recieved her Postgraduate Cerficate in Academic Practice with Heriot Watt University.  In 2013, she gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) from the University of Stirling.

Research Interests include; Inclusive environments, Universal Design, Intergenerational design, Interdisciplinary design and methods of working or communicating, ageing in place, dementia friendly environments, health & wellbeing, industry/academic partnerships, student transitions and global design studios.