Why they won: A closer look at all the winners of the Building Awards 2026

Eighteen firms and individuals claimed 19 prizes at the 2026 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 Jason Manford.

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

Ryder Architecture

Ryder has marked its first year as an employee ownership trust by combining resilience, innovation and a renewed focus on its people and clients. Despite challenging market conditions, the practice has returned to target profit levels, while emerging sectors including hospitality, retail and sport now account for 18% of turnover.

Innovation is driving both practice and project delivery, from its bespoke AI chatbot Ted to pioneering research with the University of the West of England into bio-based materials and lower-carbon specification. Sustainability reporting is also becoming more robust through increased use of primary supply-chain data.

Ryder’s commitment to people extends from its L26 leadership programme to its Reinvention campaign, championing a more diverse and sustainable route into built environment careers. Client relationships remain central after 20 years of structured feedback, while health and safety is embedded across every UK project.

The judges said: “The practice has a demonstrably strong commitment to diverse recruitment and are delivering really meaningful in terms of social value. They also use their own bespoke AI tools which is notable.”

Building Magazine Project of the Year

CPC Project Services – The Schwarzman Centre for Humanities, University of Oxford

The Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is a landmark achievement for the University of Oxford, bringing nine faculties, seven libraries and world-class cultural facilities together under one roof. Delivered in just 2.5 years, a week early and on budget, it combines architectural ambition with exceptional technical performance.

As England’s largest Passivhaus scheme and the world’s first Passivhaus concert hall, it sets a new sustainability benchmark. Innovative construction, outstanding collaboration and £10.37m of independently verified social value demonstrate exceptional impact.

The judges said:  “This project is truly outstanding. A Passivhaus academic building, major public cultural venue and acoustically isolated concert hall that will serve the public and students well for a very long time into the future.”

Building’s Good Employer of the Year

RED Group

RED has built a culture around its founding values of relationships, enthusiasm and delivery, with exceptional engagement and investment in development.

More than 1,000 hours of CPD, 20 apprentices and placements, and 13 graduates on its leadership development programme demonstrate a strong commitment to career progression.

Its 12-person wellbeing committee, mental health first-aiders on every project and refined working hours support wellbeing, while targeted outreach strengthens inclusion. With 99% of employees recommending RED and turnover at just 13%, its culture is delivering tangible results.

The judges highlighted its investment in training and development, from professional qualifications and apprenticeships to graduate programmes and clear progression routes, as well as its impressive use of real examples to show impact. Judges were particularly struck by the Bento Bot, described as “one of the most innovative initiatives in the category, and by the visible commitment of senior leadership to wellbeing. With strong staff engagement, community impact, careers outreach and a people-focused culture, RED was felt to be a highly deserving winner.”

Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (fewer than 100 staff)

Coreus

Coreus has grown from start-up to national consultancy by combining exceptional client service, people investment and positive disruption.

Its integrated offer now spans project management, quantity surveying, advisory, planning, utilities, sustainability and building surveying, helping clients tackle increasingly complex challenges.

A 92% customer satisfaction score reflects its relationship-led approach, while apprentices represent 10% of the workforce and women make up 33.3%.

Named the UK’s Best Place to Work for 16–34 Year Olds by The Sunday Times in 2026, Coreus demonstrates how a progressive culture can drive commercial and social impact.

The judges praised Coreus for “putting clients at the heart of its business, listening carefully to feedback, and growing its services in a tough market. They were also impressed by its clear commitment to supporting and developing its people.”

Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (more than 100 staff)

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.

The judges praised Ridge for “an especially strong year, consistently delivering high-quality services that have built client trust and driven an impressive level of repeat business.”

Delivering Social Value Award

McGregor Bowes

McGregor Bowes’ £4.5m restoration of John O’Groats Mill has transformed a neglected heritage asset into a thriving community hub, shaped from the outset by local people.

More than 400 attended the project’s open weekend, while 649 survey responses established priorities for a working mill, accessible facilities and community ownership. Delivered by local contractor O’Brien Construction, the project retained most of the existing structure, achieving an estimated 50% embodied carbon saving.

A new coastal path, local employment, skills training and partnerships further strengthen its lasting social, economic and environmental legacy.

The judges said:  “Social value was the driving force in this project, rather than a later consideration. This is a small project with a big impact, with judges praising the inclusion of community from the outset.”

Digital Excellence Award

Reds10 – Redefining construction compliance through fully traceable, digitally assured delivery

Reds10 is redefining construction compliance by embedding digital assurance directly into delivery, creating the golden thread in real time rather than retrospectively.

Its integrated system combines Autodesk Construction Cloud, LOD 500 BIM, automated data workflows, QR-coded components and AI-enabled validation to provide complete, asset-level traceability.

At Wembley Manor, more than 1,200 safety-critical components were individually tracked, while verified evidence capture increased from around 40% to 100%. Automation has reduced manual tasks from hours to seconds, compressed sign-off cycles and reduced rework by identifying issues at installation.

Already deployed across multiple projects, the scalable approach demonstrates how digital technology can deliver safer, more efficient and demonstrably compliant construction at scale.

The judges praised this submission as “a potentially scalable answer to the industry’s defining compliance problem. By implementing the golden thread principle at a component and site level, Reds10’s innovation could change the way schemes are assured and transform building safety.”

Engineering Consultant of the Year

Cundall

Cundall is pairing established engineering expertise with a sharper focus on sectors shaping the built environment, from energy and defence to data centres.

Its data mapping service turns complex spatial information into practical insight, while an AI panel and centre of enablement support responsible innovation.

Client satisfaction reached 8.5/10. Science-based carbon benchmarks underpin its zero carbon design 2030 target, complemented by graduate development, safety and knowledge-sharing that extend Cundall’s influence beyond individual projects across the built environment and infrastructure.

The judges said:  “Cundall combines technical excellence with measurable outcomes, demonstrating sustainability leadership throughout the business, innovative use of technology and AI, and a strong commitment to client feedback and service delivery.”

Environmental Impact Award

Gilbert-Ash – for environmental responsibility

Gilbert-Ash has made environmental responsibility a core part of its purpose, with an ESG strategy built around measurable targets, internal accountability and action across its projects, people and supply chain.

In 2025, 85% of ESG targets were achieved, while emissions fell 35% across scopes 1, 2 and 3 from the 2022 baseline and 95% of projects used HVO biofuel.

The judges praised Gilbert-Ash for its holistic approach to environmental sustainability, with measurable progress across carbon reduction, waste, biodiversity, resource efficiency and sustainable procurement. They were particularly impressed by the way sustainability is embedded throughout the business, supported by a clear ESG strategy, strong accountability and staff engagement. With 85% of its targets met and impressive results backed by robust data, Gilbert-Ash demonstrated a genuine organisational commitment to driving environmental progress.”

Housebuilder & Housing Developer of the Year

Latimer by Clarion Housing Group

Latimer demonstrates how affordable housing can be delivered at unprecedented scale without compromising quality, sustainability or long-term stewardship. As Clarion Housing Group’s development arm, it delivered 1,727 homes across 90 sites, with 83% affordable, and 22,285 further homes are in the pipeline.

Its master developer approach is exemplified by Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, proposing 7,750 homes alongside extensive infrastructure and open space. Sustainability performance is exceptional: 100% of new homes achieved EPC A or B, 99% of waste avoided landfill and biodiversity net gain averaged 43%.

Resident satisfaction reached 93%, while £15.3m of HACT-verified social value was delivered. Investment in people, including 189 apprentices, 200-plus carbon-literate colleagues and 220 funded construction courses, reinforces Latimer’s wider contribution to communities and the industry.

Its fully funded ambition to increase delivery by 74% to 3,000 homes annually by 2031 demonstrates the scale and confidence behind its long-term vision. Crucially, as a not-for-profit, Latimer reinvests surplus into housing, combining development with lasting stewardship.

From the UK’s largest zero-bills development at Hollymead Square to resident-led regeneration at Tamar Gardens, its approach puts residents and communities at the centre. Early gateway 2 approvals at Dyecoats in Leeds and Boddington Brewery in Manchester, alongside full Part L and Part O compliance, demonstrate a strong commitment to building safety.

Investment in the next generation – with trainees accounting for 11% of the workforce, in addition to the apprentices – as well as sustained customer satisfaction further underline a model that combines commercial discipline with social purpose. Latimer is showing that scale and quality can work together to create affordable, sustainable communities built to last.

The judges said:  “Latimer provides a fundamentally different and exciting model for master development. It has strong sustainability credentials, supported by ambitious net zero commitments and innovative low-carbon housing projects”

Housing Project of the Year

Kendall Kingscott – Hounslow small sites programme

Kendall Kingscott, on behalf of Sapphire Independent Housing, has transformed six underused garage sites across Hounslow into 36 high-quality, affordable homes, demonstrating how constrained urban land can deliver sustainable housing at scale.

A consistent architectural language is carefully adapted to each backland site, addressing privacy, access and relationships with neighbouring homes while creating welcoming communal spaces.

All homes are designed to Passivhaus standards and operational net zero carbon, combining fabric-first construction, air source heat pumps, MVHR and photovoltaics to reduce energy use, bills and overheating.

The programme’s greatest innovation is its delivery model, batching six small sites to improve procurement, contractor interest, viability and consistency. Durable masonry construction and strong design guardianship further protect quality, creating a replicable model for affordable infill development.

The judges said:  “This is a really good use of small sites and is sustainable, innovative and creates places of good quality for people to live in in. Passive house and operational net zero set a high bar.”

Major Contractor of the Year (over £500m)

Kier Group

Kier has demonstrated how a major contractor can combine certainty of delivery with meaningful impact for customers and communities. With £4.1bn revenue and a record order book of around £11bn, its work spans nationally significant infrastructure including HS2, Hinkley Point C and Devonport, alongside schools, hospitals, highways and water.

Partnership sits at the heart of its approach, with early collaboration, digital tools, offsite manufacturing and its end-to-end 360 model helping clients navigate complexity. Investment in people is equally strong: Kier is one of Higherin and the government’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, and its Future You Build campaign generated more than 4,000 applications.

The contractor delivered £531m of social value during the year, while Kier Cares strengthens its focus on safety and wellbeing. Its combination of scale, innovation, skills and community impact makes Kier a powerful force in shaping UK infrastructure.

The judges were impressed by “the scale of the business’s turnaround and its ability to sustain that momentum. They praised its sound business strategy and the strength and breadth of its work across both the public and private sectors.”

Manufacturer of the Year

Gripple

Gripple combines employee ownership, manufacturing expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions to some of construction’s most pressing challenges. Operating across 85 countries with more than 950 employees, the business manufactures 85% of its products in-house and continues to invest heavily in innovation, with 20% of turnover targeted from products launched within the last five years.

Its lightweight, pre-engineered systems are delivering measurable gains in productivity, safety and sustainability. In 2025, Gripple wire rope suspension systems enabled contractors to save more than 432,000 labour hours, while reducing embodied carbon by 82.8% and material weight by 82.8% compared with traditional methods.

Customer collaboration is central to product development, supported by dedicated technical teams, project take-offs and industry CPDs. Between April 2025 and April 2026, Gripple launched 11 products, including HangPro and Angel ZT. With rapid prototyping and vertically integrated manufacturing, Gripple is turning real-world challenges into scalable innovations that make construction faster, safer and more sustainable.

The judges said:  “Gripple demonstrated the benefits its products provide to industry safety, reduction of embodied carbon and its own commitment to strong in-house R&D.”

Net Zero Award

Thornton Tomasetti / Holcim UK – The Whale on the Wharf

The Whale on the Wharf transforms waste into a striking demonstration of how construction can contribute to net zero. The 12m sculpture is supported by a fully reclaimed steel frame and 32m³ of innovative biochar concrete, developed using spent coffee grounds from Canary Wharf cafes.

The concrete achieved up to 66% lower embodied carbon, while the reclaimed steel delivered around a 90% reduction compared with conventional steelwork. Five tonnes of recovered ocean plastic form the sculpture itself, creating a powerful public message about pollution and material reuse.

Thornton Tomasetti and Holcim, working with Canary Wharf Group, Cleveland Steel & Tubes and StudioKCA, overcame complex constraints above London Underground tunnels and beside grade I-listed dock walls. Crucially, the project has influenced subsequent schemes across the Canary Wharf estate, demonstrating that low carbon materials can be deployed at scale while maintaining structural performance, traceability and quality.

The judges described this “as a truly unique net zero innovation project, combining breakthrough low-carbon construction techniques with meaningful public engagement. They were particularly impressed by the use of reclaimed steel and innovative Bio-Espresso concrete made from spent coffee grounds, alongside the project’s measurable carbon savings and technical achievement. More than a striking public sculpture, it serves as a live testbed for future construction technologies, with the potential to influence industry practice and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions across the sector.”

Retrofit Project of the Year

HTA Design – The Sutton Estate

HTA Design’s retrofit of the Sutton Estate transforms four 1913 housing blocks into 81 accessible, energy-efficient homes while retaining the estate’s historic fabric.

Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project reconfigured outdated studios, retained load-bearing walls and repaired original brickwork, including salvaged materials. Internal wood fibre insulation cuts heat loss by 57%, while a pioneering ground-source heat pump system, using 27 boreholes, eliminates fossil fuels and delivers a 70% reduction in carbon emissions.

The judges said:  “A model example of transforming an abandoned, pioneering 100 year old housing scheme into affordable housing with strong energy-efficiency credentials. An exemplar for other UK estate regeneration schemes.”

Small Project of the Year (up to £5m)

McGregor Bowes–  John O’Groats Mill

John O’Groats Mill is the last operational water-powered grain mill on mainland Scotland, a category B-listed building of national significance that had stood dormant since 2001. Following a £4.5m community-led restoration, the mill, 13ft waterwheel and historic machinery have returned to full working order.

The project retained virtually all the existing structure, saving an estimated 50% embodied carbon, while a discreet new extension provides accessible visitor facilities. Delivered £72,310 under contract, the restored mill now welcomes visitors, schools and community events, creates local employment and has been removed from the register of buildings at risk, securing its future as a community-owned heritage asset.

The judges said:  “A fabulous restoration of old water mill in conception, construction and ongoing use by the local community and visitors. Well crafted and understated, it makes the most of a challenging waterside site without overwhelming the original mill.”

Specialist Contractor of the Year

Britcon

Britcon has combined financial resilience, operational performance and cultural growth through a people-first approach, integrated delivery and investment in innovation. The family-owned contractor grew its workforce by 13% to 102, while all projects were delivered to programme and three ahead of schedule.

Digital investment of more than £700,000 contributed to a 14% productivity increase and streamlined manual tasks by up to 80%.

Customer performance remains strong, with a 100% client referral rate, 82% repeat business and an average feedback score of 8.9/10.

Sustainability progress includes a 26% carbon reduction, fifth-year Planet Mark certification and more than £32m in social value. Employee net promoter score reached 92, attrition fell to 7%, and apprenticeships doubled, while safety performance also improved.

The judges said:  “This was a very good submission. They have continued to grow and their response to market conditions has been very strong.”

Construction Client of the Year

Stanhope

Stanhope combines long-term development expertise with a consistently collaborative approach to delivering complex, high-quality places.

Its portfolio spans major commercial, cultural, life sciences and mixed-use developments, with sustainability embedded throughout.

Projects including 8 Bishopsgate, Oxford North and the refurbished 76 Southbank demonstrate its ability to balance ambitious design with demanding environmental and operational requirements. Its latest major commission, Red Lion Court, will deliver a 250,000ft² riverside office tower on London’s South Bank.

Stanhope’s emphasis on strong relationships with contractors and consultants, alongside its focus on reuse, sustainability and long-term performance, demonstrates a client approach built around partnership and lasting value.

CEO of the Year

Paul Brown, Sisk

As CEO of Sisk, Paul Brown has combined disciplined growth with a clear focus on delivery excellence, people and long-term value.

With more than 25 years’ experience in civil engineering, Brown has strengthened Sisk’s position across construction and infrastructure while maintaining a strong balance sheet and quality order book.

Under his leadership, 2025 saw increased profitability and improved margins, alongside the acquisition of Farrans, expanding the group’s infrastructure and civil engineering capability across the UK and Ireland.

Sisk entered 2026 with a €7.2bn order book and strong visibility into future markets.

Brown’s leadership is characterised by a pragmatic approach to growth, technical excellence and customer relationships, alongside a commitment to developing effective teams. His ability to steer a major international contractor through a complex market while investing for the future, make him stand out.

With thanks to all sponsors and partners of the Building Awards 2026: