Building Awards 2026 shortlists: Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (over 100 staff)

Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today’s shortlist is for Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (over 100 staff).

Arcadis

Arcadis combines rigorous cost control, programme management and digital innovation to deliver certainty across complex infrastructure portfolios. Its work spans Transport for London, National Highways and the £10.7bn Transpennine Route Upgrade, embedding commercial insight into major investment decisions. Strong governance is reinforced by ISO 19650 certification, while advanced analytics improves transparency. Sustainability is equally embedded, with projects delivering significant carbon and cost savings, biodiversity gains and social value. Investment in chartership and an 85% RICS assessment of professional competence pass rate further strengthens professional capability.

CPC Project Services

CPC Project Services has delivered exceptional growth in a challenging market, with turnover increasing 48% in two years. Its trusted-adviser model has driven high-value clients up from 15 to 27 and opened major new markets, including €8bn of data centre investment and leading water and aviation appointments. Client satisfaction averages 4.02 out of five, with 82% repeat business. Sustainability leadership is equally strong, achieving a 65.8% scope 1 and 2 carbon reduction six years ahead of target, alongside £1.8m in employee bonuses and extensive skills investment.

Drees & Sommer UK

Drees & Sommer UK has strengthened its integrated consultancy offer, adding 55 MEP specialists and two offices through the integration of RSP teams following an acquisition. Its project portfolio demonstrates strong commercial control and technical expertise, from 700-plus student bedrooms at the University of Staffordshire Student Village to specialist healthcare and heritage schemes. New Building Safety Act and heat networks capabilities respond to evolving market demands, while ISO 19650 certification strengthens digital delivery. Sustainability performance is equally compelling, with scope 1 emissions reduced by 100% and scope 2 by 96%.

EDGEPS

The firm has delivered strong growth and resilience in a challenging market, achieving 17% year-on-year growth with 80% of its portfolio from repeat business. Its multidisciplinary expertise spans 18 sectors, including landmark projects such as the £105m National Rehabilitation Centre and Leeds Bradford Airport’s £100m expansion. Investment in people is equally strong, with 12% apprentices, 100% degree and APC pass rates and 43 new local jobs. Sustainability and social value underpin delivery, including 90% construction waste recycling, 327 volunteering hours and £65,295 raised for communities.

Fulkers Bailey Russell

Fulkers Bailey Russell has responded to challenging market conditions with a sharper, more collaborative approach, protecting service quality while improving value and resilience. Stronger client and supply-chain relationships, supported by digital systems, have enhanced transparency and decision-making. Investment in people is delivering results, with 23% of employees promoted in 2025 and 556 hours of learning completed. Sustainability remains central, with targets to halve scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Strengthened safety, wellbeing and community initiatives further demonstrate a responsible, people-focused consultancy committed to continuous improvement.

Gleeds

Gleeds has combined 150 years of heritage with record growth, reaching £317m turnover and doubling revenue since 2020. Its global scale is matched by investment in people, innovation and collaboration, including AI-driven service development and ISO 44001 accreditation. A strong talent pipeline includes 159 UK apprentices and 190 graduates, while sustainability performance includes a 34% reduction in global emissions since 2019. Major projects demonstrate practical impact, supported by ISO 45001, RoSPA Gold and significant community investment, including 7,882 volunteering hours and £395,000 raised.

Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald’s advisory and programme delivery business combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery to help clients navigate increasingly complex construction challenges. Its work spans major programmes for clients including Places for London, the New Hospital Programme and Bristol City Council, using data, AI and early supply chain engagement to strengthen certainty and capability. More than 85% repeat work reflects strong client relationships, while sustainability initiatives include carbon savings of 66,500 tCO₂e annually. Investment in learning, safety and social value further demonstrates a consultancy focused on lasting outcomes.

Rapleys

Rapleys delivered a record year, with fees rising 21% and staff turnover falling to its lowest level, despite significant recruitment and acquisitions. Building consultancy was central, generating 37% of income and growing fees by 25%, while new retrofit, health and safety, building safety and measured survey services responded to evolving market demands. Regional expansion, major public-sector frameworks and more than 110,000 stock condition surveys strengthened its position. With 80% recurring income, investment in talent and ambitious succession planning, Rapleys combines growth with long-term resilience.

Rider Levett Bucknall UK

RLB has delivered another year of strong growth while remaining firmly focused on people, sustainability and client value. Now a 100% employee-owned business of around 1,200 UK employees, it has strengthened development, inclusion and wellbeing through mentoring, apprenticeships and colleague-led communities. Carbon emissions from operational energy and waste fell 49%, while more than 4,800 volunteering hours and £47,000 raised for charity demonstrate meaningful social impact. Industry recognition across digital construction, inclusion, health and safety and sustainability further reinforces RLB’s leadership and commitment to shaping tomorrow.

Ridge and Partners

Ridge and Partners has delivered a standout year of growth, reaching £185m revenue and 1,591 employees, while maintaining client satisfaction above 9/10 for a remarkable decade. Strategic acquisitions in nuclear, transport, defence and motorsport have expanded capability, complemented by a growing focus on infrastructure. Landmark projects include Oxford United FC’s all-electric stadium and major developments in Portsmouth and Manchester. With 9,500 training hours, 124 apprentices and 299 employees pursuing qualifications, Ridge combines strategic growth, technical breadth and sustained investment in people.