The winners of the Building Awards were announced at a ceremony last night. Here is more detail about all the winning entries
Twenty firms and individuals claimed 22 prizes at the 2025 Building Awards last night.
More than 1,000 of the industry’s best and brightest gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London to celebrate this year’s winners, at a ceremony hosted by comedian Dara Ó Briain.
Want to find out what set the winners apart? Find out by reading what the judges had to say about exactly why each winner claimed their title, below.
Architectural Practice of the Year
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
This year Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has achieved a number of key project completions. These have included Urbanest Battersea – the practice’s first Passivhaus building, as well as Assembly in Bristol and the Temple Quarter Research Hub.
The practice continued to win major awards, including RIBA London Building of the Year, and led on sustainability through its building performance team and second annual carbon report – pioneering the publication of upfront project carbon data. AHMM also contributed to research on fit-out waste and smart buildings, supported decarbonisation of heritage assets, and engaged in pro bono and charitable work.
Its commitment to people development included level 7 apprenticeships, line manager training, wellbeing initiatives, and new policies on women’s health and neurodiversity. The practice maintains strong client relationships, conducts post-occupancy reviews and is CHAS and ISO 45001 certified. This year AHMM has donated £126,742 and volunteered 1,705 hours across 90 causes.
The judges said: “The quality and breadth of this firm’s proposal was impressive. The practice is building on previous research and sustainability to push themselves and the sector forward.”
Building Magazine Project of the Year
Plot 9a First Street – Cundall
Plot 9a, part of Manchester’s First Street masterplan, delivers 130,900ft² of low carbon, user-focused office space for the Government Property Agency.
Achieving a NABERS UK 5.5-star target rating, EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, it features winter gardens, a major cycle hub and a modular, adaptable design.
Social value includes 70 new jobs and £25.4m spent locally. Despite covid-19 and supply chain challenges, the project met GPA standards and budget, showcasing long-term value through sustainability, wellbeing and energy performance.
The judges said: “This project has impresssive sustainability credentials with a NABERS 5.5-star rating. The building looks great with an interesting but not overglazed facade. Moreover, it is great to see a project of this quality in a city outside London.”
Building’s Good Employer of the Year
Plan A Consultants
Plan A has had a transformative year, becoming an employee ownership trust and enhancing training, wellbeing and inclusion.
Weekly CPDs, revamped inductions, mentoring and leadership coaching underpin a strong learning culture.
DEI is embedded through quarterly KPIs, inclusive policies, training and employee-led feedback. Wellbeing is supported via flexible working, mental health initiatives and wellness activities.
Plan A also champions industry outreach through mentoring, volunteering and education partnerships, including PlanBEE and youth programmes – reflecting its commitment to a respectful, inclusive and people-focused workplace.
The judges said: “It’s been a big year for Plan A, they challenged themselves to improve as an employer across the board and impressively they have done just that. Their 360 reviews are incredibly impactful, more organisations should do them. It is also impressive to see the six pillars of wellbeing and the results they achieved against the strategic objectives, as well as the positive employee feedback.”
Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (fewer than 100 staff)
Quartz Project Services
Quartz Project Services is a values-led consultancy delivering tailored, high-quality outcomes across a dynamic construction landscape.
With under 100 staff and an employee ownership trust model, Quartz fosters accountability, innovation and client trust – reflected in 85% repeat or referral business in 2024. Its bespoke reporting, early-stage cost planning and ESG integration add real value.
Sustainability is embedded, with carbon neutrality achieved and a pathway to net zero under way. The Quartz Academy supports talent development, while cross-sector expertise drives collaborative, future-focused project delivery.
The judges said: “This was a professional, well-targeted submission that stood out for its clarity, detail and fresh approach. They demonstrated strong financial management, low staff turnover, excellent training and an impressive 85% client retention rate. A serious and dynamic consultancy, they clearly deliver lasting value to their clients and invest wisely in their future.”
Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (more than 100 staff)
Turner & Townsend
Turner & Townsend combines global scale with agility, empowering clients to deliver ambitious programmes with confidence.
Recent milestones include integrating CBRE’s project management and building consultancy division and acquiring a majority stake in offshore wind specialist Jumbo Consulting Group, boosting capability in renewables.
With 22,000 employees worldwide, the firm is investing heavily in skills, digital innovation and sustainability. Highlights include the launch of a dedicated client platform, the Hive Platform, making data and insights accessible and transparent, boosting collaboration and decision-making.
The judges said: “This firm has had an exceptional year, with outstanding financial performance and a strong international presence that showcases the quality of talent within UK construction. Under influential leadership, they have delivered real impact by focusing on critical national issues, high-growth sectors and client-driven innovation. Their bespoke tools and agile response to market conditions highlight a business that is both forward-thinking and deeply valuable to its clients.”
Contractor of the Year (up to £500m)
Kori Construction
Kori Construction is a small contractor making a big impact, with 2024 marking an exceptional year of growth, delivery and recognition. Specialising in the later living sector, Kori handed over five projects providing 330 much-needed care beds – all completed on or ahead of programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards. Alongside this, the business secured four further projects, three from repeat clients, underlining strong trust and long-term partnerships.
Kori’s achievements have been recognised nationally, including being named one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midlands and East of England by the UK Fast Growth Index, featuring in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, appearing in the Building Good Employer Guide, and achieving a RoSPA Gold Award for the second year running.
A values-driven approach underpins this success – delivering exceptional outcomes, encouraging innovation and fostering ambition. This culture is reflected in outstanding staff engagement, with an employee Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 84, and exceptional client satisfaction, achieving a customer NPS of 64 and multiple Considerate Constructors Scheme awards.
Sustainability and social impact are both an integral part of the business. In 2024, Kori delivered an impressive 27% reduction in all accidents, generated £13.7m in social value, diverted 98% of waste from landfill, and pioneered circular economy solutions by reusing more than 16,000 tonnes of materials.
Through the Kori Community Fund and volunteering initiatives, the team supported 14 community projects, engaged over 10,000 young people through schools outreach, and raised nearly £20,000 for charity.
The judges said: “Kori has combined the delivery of rapid growth over the past three years with a significant and sustained investment in business systems, including digital tools and customer satisfaction. It sets them up well for the future.”
Major Contractor of the Year (over £500m)
Multiplex
In 2024, Multiplex continued to shape city skylines through technical excellence, innovation and sustainability.
Delivering three landmark projects, the business focused on early client engagement to advise on net zero strategies, unlock programme efficiencies and reduce carbon.
Key achievements included 75 London Wall, 50 Fenchurch Street, 72 Upper Ground and 99 City Road, where innovative structural solutions and offsite DFMA manufacturing improved efficiency, minimised embodied carbon and optimised logistics.
Multiplex pioneered industry-first tools such as the facade embodied carbon calculator, material passports, and electric arc furnace metal decking, alongside semi-autonomous M&E installation robots and CFD modelling to enhance safety and productivity.
Sustainability remained central, with low carbon fuels, electrified equipment, and the UK’s first solar PV farm at Norfolk delivering 9,000MWh annually.
People, skills and wellbeing were prioritised through apprenticeships, graduates, work placements, scenario-based leadership training and mental health initiatives.
By combining innovation, sustainability and human-centred delivery, Multiplex strengthened client satisfaction, enhanced community impact and reinforced its position as a forward-thinking construction partner.
The judges said: “This entry demonstrated a very good series of project wins and completions. The firm has an innovative approach to solving client’s problems that is worth recognising.”
Delivering Social Value Award
Manor Road Quarter – Morgan Sindall Construction
Morgan Sindall’s Manor Road project delivered transformative social, economic and environmental impact in London’s Newham, generating over £14m of social value.
More than 400 local people worked on site, with 38 apprenticeships, 40 work experience placements and 50-plus educational events. Local businesses benefited from nearly £4.9m in spend, alongside £3,599 invested in community projects.
Innovations included outdoor gym equipment made from surrendered knives and a Homeless Feed Event supporting 35 people.
Environmentally, the project achieved BREEAM Excellent, created a 2ha park with more than 100 new trees, reused timber, went fully gas-free, and installed bird and bat boxes, embedding sustainability alongside community benefit.
The judges said: “A very impressive entry and very clearly set out in terms of objectives and the positive impact it has had on Newham and the community. The engagement with knife crime initiative Rebel Strength was of particular note and deserves recognition in terms of innovation and direct relevance to the local area.
“Social value was not a key priority at the outset but, by having a dedicated senior social value manager, the project was able to show everyone the short- and long-term impacts. This entry provided useful social value metrics and, importantly, explained how it calculated the monetary value of its work.”
Digital Excellence Award
Digital transformation programme – Turner & Townsend Alinea
Turner & Townsend Alinea is redefining cost consultancy through a bold, data-led digital transformation. With more than 400 London-based consultants embedded in its global network, the firm has developed a bespoke suite of digital tools within the Hive Portal, transforming decision-making, benchmarking and cost control.
Applications including the Benchmarking App, Cost Control App, e-Tender App and Market Rates App are powered by industry-leading data covering 30% of UK construction.
These tools have accelerated early-stage planning, streamlined procurement, enhanced predictability and integrated cost and carbon considerations. Scalable across regions, they set a new standard for data-driven, sustainable project delivery in construction.
The judges said: “The implementations are a combination of system, process, data and culture. Turner & Townsend Alinea appears to have cracked both data and culture in getting well-based data sets together that could be applied globally – and, as a result, is an exemplar the construction sector should celebrate.”
Engineering Consultant of the Year
OFR Consultants
OFR Consultants is an independent leader in fire-engineering consultancy, renowned for protecting people, property and the environment. The firm’s people-focused culture, award-winning training and supportive environment enable staff to thrive, reflected in long average tenure and low turnover.
Innovation drives OFR’s work, from advanced CFD modelling to pioneering the UK’s first Commercial Timber Guidebook.
Its diverse project portfolio – including hospitals, high-rise towers and retail spaces – demonstrates technical excellence, while proactive leadership in Building Safety Act compliance bridges design and construction.
Committed to sustainability and community impact, OFR sets new benchmarks for fire engineering and delivers safer, high-quality buildings across the UK.
The judges said: “This is a success story for the industry. The firm is growing and delivering a good service, while their purpose is good. It’s also nice to see a UK company expanding overseas.”
Environmental Impact Award
GLA Circular Economy Statement Guidance – Aecom
Aecom has been instrumental in embedding circular economy thinking into the UK’s built environment, most notably through its role shaping the Greater London Authority’s Circular Economy Statement Guidance.
Adopted in 2022, the guidance – influenced by Aecom director David Cheshire’s published works – makes material reuse, adaptability and recovery core planning requirements for major developments.
From City Hall to flagship projects such as the Salisbury Square Development, Aecom demonstrates how circular design reduces waste, conserves resources and sets new benchmarks for sustainable construction.
The judges said: “Practical steps for future-proofing buildings and the ability to replicate this quidance are a real positive. It also provides a road map for the wider industry, and the fact it is being adopted internally is very encouraging.”
Housebuilder & Housing Developer of the Year
Berkeley Group
Berkeley Group believes reviving brownfield land is the most sustainable way to tackle the housing crisis, strengthen left-behind communities, and rejuvenate towns and cities. Having aligned with the government’s brownfield-led housing agenda, Berkeley had 32 of the UK’s most complex regeneration sites in production in 2025.
Over the past five years, it has delivered more than 20,000 mixed-tenure homes, with 92% on brownfield land this year alone, alongside substantial investments in affordable housing and community infrastructure.
Berkeley’s holistic strategy, Our Vision 2030, maximises its positive impact on society, the economy and the natural world. Customer satisfaction remains high, with 98% of homeowners recommending Berkeley, reflected in an independently verified Net Promoter Score of +81.6, well above the industry average.
Sustainability and biodiversity are central to Berkeley’s approach. The company has voluntarily delivered biodiversity net gain (BNG) on all new sites since 2017, with 57 sites now committed to creating or enhancing over 650 acres of urban habitats. Berkeley co-chairs the BNG implementation board with DEFRA, sharing knowledge and guiding industry-wide adoption, while internally embedding responsibility for nature recovery across all business levels.
Climate action continues to drive innovation, from adopting hydro-treated vegetable oil fuel on sites to completing 64 site-specific embodied carbon studies to reduce high-impact materials.
Berkeley invests in people, maintaining gold membership with The 5% Club and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion across recruitment, training and leadership programmes. Meanwhile the Berkeley Foundation supports communities nationwide, with staff volunteering nearly 2,000 hours and helping over 11,900 individuals through charitable partnerships.
The judges said: “Berkeley was very strong across the board, but it is especially impressive in its quality management systems.”
Housing Project of the Year
Bancroft and Wickford Street – Fraser Brown Mackenna Architects (FBM Architects)
The Bancroft and Wickford Street development supports Tower Hamlets’ Project 120, which focuses on delivering homes for residents previously living in overcrowded or unsuitable housing, including fully wheelchair-accessible units.
The scheme delivers spacious, adaptable homes with accessible layouts, daylighting and balconies, supporting diverse resident needs and enhancing wellbeing.
Underused garages and service roads have been replaced with a new neighbourhood park and community facilities, fostering social cohesion.
Designed with sensitivity to adjacent conservation areas, the development’s articulated facades, landscaped spaces and sightlines improve safety and amenity.
Sustainability measures include air source heat pumps, PV panels, thermally efficient envelopes, green roofs, and recycled construction materials.
The judges said: “This project demonstrates impressive sustainability credentials. It’s good to see a mix of home sizes provided as social housing to meet the needs of overcrowded families and those requiring adapted properties.
“Intergenerational living is celebrated, with a strong understanding of local housing needs. Well delivered with good-quality design and strong community outcomes. Excellent collaboration with local residents’ groups. Overall, a delightful scheme.”
Manufacturer of the Year
ARC Building Solutions
ARC Building Solutions, founded in 2008, is dedicated to enhancing the safety and resilience of the built environment through reliable fire protection and insulation products delivered up to five times faster than industry norms. From the outset, its mission has been to provide life-saving solutions with uncompromising service, keeping projects on schedule.
ARC is a pioneer in testing and compliance, becoming the first UK manufacturer of low-rise cavity barriers with third-party certification and continuing to lead with collaborative research.
Recent industry-first corner testing with Leviat verified seamless integration of cavity barriers and masonry support brackets, producing certification that saves engineers time while improving durability. Real-world performance was demonstrated in 2025 when an ARC® masonry party wall system contained a fire on site.
Innovation is central, led by a dedicated R&D team under Dr Alex Boote, delivering solutions such as the TCB Square for timber frame construction and the Retrofit Eaves Insulator to combat damp and mould.
Furthering industry advancement, ARC launched a 33-month knowledge transfer partnership with Leeds Beckett University, developing an AI-driven golden-thread tool to raise installation standards and support regulatory compliance.
The judges said: “ARC is delivering brilliant products, simple yet effective, and demonstrating their effectiveness. It’s good that they are working closely with customers to develop solutions to their problems, as well as taking advantage of the knowledge transfer partnership programme.”
MMC Award
HMP Millsike – Kier with Ministry of Justice
HMP Millsike is a new £400m prison built by Kier for the Ministry of Justice, setting a new benchmark for custodial construction through MMC. With a pre-manufactured value of 84%, the scheme incorporated nearly 13,000 precast components across six houseblocks on its 53-acre site.
Delivered on time and to budget in January 2025, the project was completed in just 128 weeks. Offsite manufacturing accelerated progress considerably – each houseblock was completed in 12 weeks, with prefabricated M&E risers installed in under 10 days. Precast ground beams alone saved up to four weeks per block, while offsite assembly of plant and services reduced installation times by more than 25%.
An innovative digital tracking system linked to the 3D twin monitored every component from manufacture to installation, ensuring consistency and saving thousands of inspections. This helped achieve zero defects at completion and an average of only six snags per building.
As the UK’s first all-electric prison, Millsike combines speed, quality and sustainability. It demonstrates how MMC can transform major public sector projects, reducing carbon, improving efficiency and creating facilities designed for rehabilitation and wellbeing.
The judges said: “This project shows MMC working really well, delivering a £400m prison on time, on budget, and with very few defects. An excellent demonstration of the direction that all major programmes should be going in with alliancing contracts, embedded digital tools and continuous improvement. It’s fantastic to see industrialisation moving from theory to practice and proving how successful it can be.”
Net Zero Award
HMP Millsike – Kier with Pick Everard and the Ministry of Justice
HMP Millsike, delivered by Kier and Pick Everard for the Ministry of Justice, is the UK’s first all-electric prison and a model for sustainable custodial design.
Completed in January 2025, it accommodates 1,500 prisoners across smaller wings with barless windows, open spaces and natural light to support wellbeing and rehabilitation.
Powered by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, it achieves 68% lower energy use than recent prisons, alongside 14.9% embodied carbon savings.
The scheme delivers 10% biodiversity net gain and integrates sensitively into its Yorkshire setting.
The judges said: “The MoJ’s broader commitment to net zero is impressive. The focus on improvements to occupant wellbeing and moving beyond the Victorian typology is a step in the right direction.
“The move to electric, along with renewables and heat pumps, is very commendable. The adoption of MMC has a demonstrable positive impact: it has a major role to play in delivering net zero by enabling greater efficiency, reducing waste and supporting the rapid scaling of sustainable construction.”
Retrofit Project of the Year – Modern
76 Southbank – Multiplex Construction Europe
Designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and grade II listed in 2020, 76 Southbank has now been transformed by Multiplex into a sustainable, flexible 300,000ft² commercial office hub.
More than 80% of the original structure was retained, with refurbished facade panels, reclaimed steel and bricks, and sympathetic extensions increasing net internal area by 50%.
The project achieved BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5-star, EPC A and WELL Gold standards, while integrating renewable energy, air/water-source heat pumps, terraces, biophilic landscaping and a social equity strategy supporting apprenticeships, jobs and community engagement.
The judges said: “An elegant and elemental retrofit of a notable building that preserves and enhances the character of the building and transforms it ready for modern use with a 50% gain in net internal floor area. Impressive sustainability credentials with 80% of the structural frame reused and some innovative construction methods too.”
Retrofit Project of the Year – Traditional & Historic
The Parks – Stolon Studio Architects
The Parks, Herefordshire, is a pioneering rural regeneration transforming a derelict dairy farm into eight sustainable, community-focused homes.
Retaining over 80% of historic timber-framed structures, the scheme combines deep retrofit, low carbon construction and circular economy principles with biodiversity enhancement.
Homes are arranged around a central courtyard, complemented by gardens, orchards and communal spaces, promoting wellbeing and social connection.
Delivered on time and budget, The Parks demonstrates heritage conservation, ecological restoration and inclusive design, creating a replicable model for resilient rural living.
The judges said: “A beautifully considered restoration of a derelict farm complex done with care, reusing salvaged materials to make a delightful place to live that also demonstrates the positive impact of community-led development.
“Clear metrics on carbon, material retention, biodiversity and costs. It clearly evokes joy in its inhabitants – surely the greatest marker of success.”
Small Project of the Year (up to £5m)
New Wave House – Thomas-McBrien Architects in collaboration with New Wave London
New Wave House, the headquarters of construction company New Wave London, demonstrates how retrofit can achieve high-impact results on a modest budget. Designed by Thomas-McBrien Architects, the project transformed a two-storey structure into a low carbon, expanded workplace without extending its footprint.
A lightweight Douglas fir glulam rooftop pavilion increased workspace by 40% while raising energy use by less than 5%, equating to a 25% reduction per square metre.
Circular economy principles underpinned the design, with salvaged roof panels, repurposed timber and reused fittings integrated throughout. A whole-life carbon assessment revealed the new extension achieved an embodied carbon of 166kgCO₂e/m², which reduces to -35kgCO₂e/m² after accounting for the sequestration potential of the 41.2m³ of glulam.
Fabrication in New Wave London’s own workshop minimised transport emissions and showcased the company’s craft-based ethos.
The retrofit also delivers adaptable workspaces for 11 SMEs, supporting local employment and reducing disruption by avoiding relocation.
As both client and builder, New Wave London demonstrated that ambitious, design-led sustainability can be achieved without large budgets – providing a powerful example for the wider industry.
The judges said: “Impressive sustainability credentials and clever use of space. The size has been increased by 40% with only a 5% rise in energy consumption. Light, airy and making the most of views, it creates a wonderful work environment. A highly attractive extension with excellent embodied carbon performance.
“Particularly impressive and innovative is the reuse of part of the roof. An outstanding example that goes far beyond simply adding a mansard roof to an existing building – a project likely to be copied by others.”
Specialist Contractor of the Year
Britcon Steel
Over the past 12 months, Britcon Steel has undergone a transformational journey, enhancing operational efficiency, digital capability and workforce development.
The company’s agile, people-first culture, award-winning training programmes and commitment to sustainability and ESG remain central.
Strategic framework wins – including appointments to the NEPO, Pagabo, YORcivils and Northumbrian Water AMP8 deals – have strengthened early collaboration, efficiency and client alignment.
Digital transformation via Procore, Salesforce, AI and MSite boosted productivity by 14%, reduced defects by 16% and accelerated decision-making by 23%.
Sustainability initiatives achieved 455 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, 9.2% carbon reduction, 1,400 trees planted and 99% of waste diverted.
Health, safety and corporate social responsibility excellence continues through Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recognition, volunteer days and environmental projects, demonstrating a resilient, innovative and people-led business.
Britcon Steel’s approach positions it as a benchmark for sustainable, high-performance steel contracting, driving positive change across the construction industry.
The judges said: “The firm shows a good focus on strategic transformation. Doing what they’re doing for a relatively small business is impressive.”
Construction Client of the Year
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge exemplifies long-term, socially responsible client leadership through its urban extensions, most notably Eddington. Designed to provide high-quality, sustainable housing for staff, the scheme integrates community facilities, green infrastructure and active travel networks, directly responding to Cambridge’s acute housing and transport pressures.
Significant progress has been achieved through detailed master planning, extensive public consultation, and successful delivery of Phase 1, which now serves as a benchmark for sustainable, mixed-use development.
With further phases advancing through planning and pre-construction, the university demonstrates a clear commitment to creating resilient, inclusive places. This forward-looking approach highlights Cambridge as an outstanding, visionary client.
CEO of the Year
Katy Dowding, Skanska UK
Katy Dowding has been president and CEO of Skanska UK since May 2023, following a distinguished 35-year career in the construction industry. Her leadership is characterised by a commitment to diversity, inclusion and innovation.
Under her guidance, Skanska UK has prioritised digital transformation and sustainability, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. This has included pioneering net zero carbon solutions across its projects and embedding circular economy principles into delivery.
Key initiatives include low carbon concrete trials, smart energy systems in buildings and promoting sustainable transport solutions on major infrastructure sites, reinforcing Skanska’s role as a responsible, future-focused contractor. Notably, she has championed initiatives to improve health, safety and wellbeing within the organisation.
Dowding’s strategic direction has also led to significant executive appointments, reinforcing the company’s commitment to talent development and succession planning.
Her tenure reflects a dedication to fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, positioning Skanska UK as a leader in the evolving construction sector.
With thanks to all sponsors and partners of the Building Awards 2025:
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