The eighth annual AJ Architecture Awards has revealed its third wave of shortlists, featuring 120 outstanding projects across 19 categories that showcase the finest built projects completed in the United Kingdom. This year's competition continues to highlight exceptional architectural achievements, with the latest announcements covering Heritage Projects, Higher Education Projects, Refurbishment Projects, and School Projects.
In the Heritage Project category, four distinguished schemes have earned recognition for their preservation and adaptive reuse efforts. Among these, the Soho Theatre Walthamstow by Pilbrow & Partners and Bond Bryan has achieved the notable distinction of being shortlisted in two categories, having previously made the Cultural Project list announced earlier this week. This Grade II-listed former cinema, originally built in 1929 with Alhambra-inspired architecture, underwent extensive remodeling and renovation to transform it into a vibrant live performance venue and local cultural center, successfully reopening to the public earlier this year.
The Higher Education Project category presents a robust field of nine exceptional projects, featuring several high-profile architectural achievements. Notable entries include David Kohn's distinctive curved quad design for New College Oxford, which demonstrates innovative approaches to traditional collegiate architecture. Allies and Morrison's new home for the London College of Fashion, strategically located on the Olympic Park's East Bank, represents a significant investment in creative education infrastructure. Additionally, Haworth Tompkins' ambitious $14.5 million transformation of the historic Warburg Institute showcases how contemporary design can breathe new life into academic institutions while preserving their scholarly heritage.
The Refurb Project category has been strategically divided into two budget brackets to better recognize projects of varying scales and investment levels. In the over $10 million category, Carmody Groarke's Manhattan-inspired silver office scheme demonstrates how international design influences can be successfully adapted to British commercial spaces. Squire & Partners' transformation of Seifert's Brutalist icon Space House exemplifies the growing trend of reimagining post-war architectural landmarks for contemporary use. Notably, both the Walworth Town Hall by Feiz&Merlin for developer General Projects and the Warburg Institute have achieved double recognition, appearing in both the Heritage and Refurb project categories.
The Schools category celebrates educational architecture that enhances learning environments and community engagement. Recently featured projects include St. Paul's Girls School's new Arts and Crafts-style Center for Design and Innovation by Jestico & Whiles, which combines traditional architectural elements with modern educational requirements. The Godolphin and Latymer School's comprehensive dining, library, and sixth form annexe by Walters & Cohen Architects demonstrates how multi-functional educational spaces can serve diverse student needs while maintaining architectural coherence.
The evaluation process involves a distinguished panel of expert judges who are currently conducting comprehensive site visits to every shortlisted project across the country. The judging panel includes returning members Eleanor Fawcett from the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, Alpa Delpani who serves as head of strategic planning and design at London Borough of Waltham Forest, Robin Nicholson who is a fellow of Cullinan Studio, and strategist Daisy Froud. These professionals bring diverse perspectives from development, planning, design, and strategic fields to ensure thorough evaluation of each submission.
The judges employ rigorous criteria that extend beyond visual appeal to encompass multiple aspects of architectural excellence. They carefully evaluate how each project has met or exceeded its original brief, examining whether the finished work successfully addresses the client's needs and objectives. Community and client engagement represents another crucial factor, with judges assessing how well each project has involved stakeholders throughout the design and construction process. The effective use of space and creation of a strong sense of place are fundamental considerations, as judges look for projects that maximize functional potential while creating meaningful environments for users.
Sustainability measures receive particularly strict analysis, reflecting the industry's growing commitment to environmental responsibility and climate-conscious design. Judges examine the implementation of energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, waste reduction strategies, and long-term environmental impact. To qualify for consideration, all projects must have reached completion between January 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, ensuring that the awards recognize the most current achievements in British architecture.
The winners across all 19 categories, along with three special editorial-chosen awards, will be announced during a celebratory dinner event scheduled for November 27, 2025. This year's ceremony will take place at the Royal Lancaster London, marking another new venue for the prestigious awards program. The event promises to bring together leading figures from the architecture, design, and construction industries to celebrate outstanding achievements in contemporary British architecture and recognize the professionals who are shaping the built environment for future generations.
