The American Institute of Architects UK Chapter hosted the 2025 Excellence in Design Awards Ceremony at the Royal College of Physicians on 7 May 2025, thanks to our generous sponsor Iris Ceramica Group. For 30 years, these awards have proven highly valued by architects as they confer trans-Atlantic recognition for design excellence.

The awards were judged based on their design achievements & intentions, contribution to the built environment, innovation, and sustainability, which incorporates the AIA Ten Measures of Design Excellence.

Our thanks go out to our jury panel:

• Alison Brooks, Alison Brooks Architects

• DaeWha Kang, DaeWha Kang Design

• Edoardo Tibuzzi, AKT II

• Ellie Stathaki, *Wallpaper Magazine

• Margherita Giannoni, Iris Ceramica Group.

This year marked the introduction of a new awards format, offering greater flexibility in recognising projects for a wider range of achievements. The 2025 Design Awards centred on the following key categories: Beyond the Brief, Zeitgeist Award, Best Place Award, Innovation Award, Outstanding Visual Award, Emerging Practice Award, and the brand-new Iris Ceramica Award.

While these categories served as a framework, final selections were at the jury’s discretion. Embracing this flexibility, the jurors interpreted the categories creatively, celebrating each winning project for its distinct contribution across diverse scales, typologies, and sectors.

Awards

Sincere congratulations to all of our award recipients!

Beyond the Brief Award

Godolphin & Latymer School, Walters & Cohen Architects

Jury Comments

This multi-faceted project has not only fulfilled their client’s need for an improved dining hall and library, but through a series of imaginative interventions, has connected and enhanced the school campus as a whole. The architects have reimagined an existing historic building as a plinth for a new, 2-storey library. Constructed in mass timber, this new volume is beautifully clad in an ephemeral metal veil. Inside, a mix of intimate and expansive spaces are tailored to the diverse rhythms and stages of student life. Weaving together old and new, the architects have created a joyful architectural ensemble and new campus heart. Congratulations to Cindy Walters, Michál Cohen, and their team!

Outstanding Conservation Project

Queen Victoria Picnic Lodge, Moxon Architects

Jury Comments

The jury felt that this project exemplified important values to which every architect should aspire. Despite its small size, the architects gave the utmost care and attention to every detail. Old fabric was respected, while new additions were boldly but harmoniously introduced.

“In these times of environmental stress and climate change, conservation and adaptive reuse are more important than ever. Well done to Moxon Architects for saving this building from the Buildings at Risk register and creating this little jewel.

Outstanding Small Project

Terzetto House, ConForm Architects

Jury Comments

The winning scheme has a very strong material language, has uplifting colours, and most importantly, transforms the life of its users through meaningful design that connects their everyday life with nature. The award goes to a wonderful small north London home: Terzetto House by ConForm Architects. Big congratulations!

Innovation + Beauty Award

Tower of Light, Tonkin Liu Architects

Jury Comments

The jury felt that this project brings visual energy and joy to a somewhat neglected corner of Manchester. The innovative use of the thin steel shell-lace structure minimized material use while creating a breathtaking effect for what could have been a very ordinary energy centre flue. The ceramic tile wall brings that same exuberance to the human experience at street level.

We must remember the importance of innovation in pushing forward the architectural discourse, but at the same time, this project by Tonkin Liu reminds us that innovation alone is not enough. Architecture must have the capacity to enrich and inspire, and the Tower of Light does this so very well.

Outstanding Place to Commute

Elizabeth Line, Grimshaw Architects

Jury Comments

This award celebrates a project that redefines the everyday journey; an infrastructural masterpiece that connects communities, transforms travel, and elevates design in the public realm. From its seamless integration of engineering and architecture, to the calm clarity of its cavernous spaces, this is not just a new way to move through the city – but a new way to experience it. Congratulations to Grimshaw Architects for setting a new standard in commuter excellence!

Outstanding Adaptive Reuse

Norton Folgate, AHMM

Jury Comments

Set within the Elder Street Conservation Area, this extensive project of restoration and new-build mixed uses exemplifies the dedication of this team and their client British Land to three key values: to preserving urban heritage; to inviting diverse architectural imaginations to enhance a sense of place and to driving sustainable building practice. Every part of this scheme has been orchestrated to create an intriguing tapestry of characterful streetscapes, courtyards, and workspaces. Through an expert collaboration, Norton Folgate has enriched the urban history of London and for me, is an inspiring manifestation of Collage City ideals. Congratulations to Paul Monaghan, Simon Allford, British Land and the entire Norton Folgate project team!

ICG Award

Keystone Teaching Lab, HOK

Jury Comments

HOK’s Keystone Teaching Lab embodies the Iris Ceramica Group’s core values of Sustainability, Excellence in Quality, and Innovation. This project pushes boundaries, explores new horizons, and contributes to the creation of an improved environment, while delivering an original solution in both design and technical performance.

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