The winners of the prestigious 2025 Architect of the Year Awards were announced during a ceremony held at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in London, where 17 architectural practices and individuals shared 20 awards recognizing excellence in UK architecture. The event celebrated the most outstanding achievements in the British architectural landscape, highlighting innovation, design quality, and professional excellence across multiple categories.
Haworth Tompkins emerged as the evening's biggest winner, claiming the coveted Gold Award, which is selected from among all category winners as the top honor of the ceremony. The London-based practice demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple areas, also securing the Best Architect Employer of the Year award and the Higher Education Architect of the Year recognition. This triple victory confirms the firm's continuing significant influence and leadership position within the architectural sector.
Patty Hopkins, the renowned British architect and co-founder of Hopkins Architects, received special recognition at this year's ceremony. Hopkins, who has been instrumental in shaping contemporary British architecture alongside her partner Michael Hopkins, was honored for her outstanding contributions to the profession. Her work spans decades and includes numerous landmark projects that have helped define modern architectural practice in the United Kingdom.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Manchester was named the first-ever UK Design Capital of the Year, marking a new category that recognizes cities for their comprehensive approach to design and architecture. This designation acknowledges Manchester's significant contributions to the built environment, its support for architectural innovation, and its role as a hub for creative and design industries throughout the UK.
The awards ceremony brought together leading figures from across the British architectural community, celebrating both established practices and emerging talent. The 20 awards distributed among the 17 winners covered various specializations within architecture, from residential and commercial projects to public buildings and urban planning initiatives. The recognition spans different scales of work, from individual buildings to large-scale urban developments, reflecting the diverse nature of contemporary architectural practice in the UK.
