The Cornwall Architectural Trust is a registered charity and was formed in 1975. Its purpose is to encourage design excellence in buildings, their environment and all aspects of design and to bring these to the attention of those concerned with the provision of buildings as well as to the public in general. To this end the Trustees have arranged a series of annual lectures given by eminent architects, engineers, designers, planners and other distinguished individuals with an interest or connection with architecture.

The Trust, jointly with the Exeter and Plymouth Architectural Trusts, makes awards of student scholarships and prizes.