The Building Awards 2025 shortlist has been unveiled, recognising the UK’s top talent, projects, and companies in built environment excellence. Here's an up-to-date breakdown by category, highlighting organisations leading the way in innovation, sustainability, and construction prowess.

Architectural Practice of the Year

Honouring outstanding design and creative excellence, the firms shortlisted are:

• Allford Hall Monaghan Morris 
   
• DB3 Group
   
• LOM Architecture and Design
   
• Pollard Thomas Edwards
   
• Ryder Architecture 
   

These practices are notable for setting the design agenda and cultivating environments that balance aesthetic vision with functionality.

Building Magazine Project of the Year

Recognising the most compelling built projects, this category features:

• ASC IPI Alliance – Animal Studies Centre
   
• Cundall – Plot 9a First Street
   
• David Kohn Architects – The Gradel Quadrangles
   
• GSK – GSK Project Emerald
   
• Gensler – ONE Station Hill
   
• Gilbert-Ash – The Richard Cairns Building, Brighton College
   
• Integrated Health Projects – North View, Manchester
   
• John McAslan + Partners – Belfast Grand Central Station
   
• Kier Construction Ltd – Mulberry Academy London Dock
   
• Oxford Brookes University with Drees & Sommer, ADP Architecture & Willmott Dixon – Teaching and Workshop Buildings (Headington Hill)
  
  These highlight exceptional ambition and execution across sectors.

3. Building’s Good Employer of the Year

• Black & White Engineering
   
• Currie & Brown
   
• Gleeds
  
  Celebrating organisations with standout employee support, training, and inclusive culture.

4. CEO of the Year (DGP sponsored)

Shortlisted leaders:

• Alan Brookes (Arcadis)
   
• Katy Dowding (Skanska UK)
   
• Graham Dundas (Willmott Dixon)
   
• Bill Hocking (Galliford Try)
   Leaders showing strategic vision and real influence in the built environment.
   

5. Construction Client of the Year (Fewer than 100 staff)

Shortlistees demonstrating collaborative leadership and delivery excellence in construction projects. Here are the shortlisters:

• Cast Consultancy
• Churchill International
• Circle Development
• Coreus Group
• MESH Construction Consultancy
• Plan A Consultants
• Pulse Consult
• Quartz Project Services
• RLB Digital
• XCO2

6. Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year

• Bellrock
• Core Five
• CPC Project Services
• Currie & Brown
• Drees & Sommer UK
• Fulkers Bailey Russell
• Gleeds
• Mace
• Mott MacDonald
• Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)
• Soben, part of Accenture
• Turner & Townsend
   

7. Contractor of the Year (up to £500m) – Sponsored by Clement Windows Group

Top contractors delivering impactful projects efficiently under budget thresholds.

• Britcon UK Limited
• Kori Construction Limited
• Speller Metcalfe

Other Awards - Find the full list of shortlisted companies on The Building Awards website

8. Housing Project of the Year – In partnership with The Housing Forum

Projects delivering standout housing with innovation and community impact.

9. Major Contractor of the Year (over £500m) – Sponsored by Fenwick Elliott

Honouring bigger contractors managing large-scale, complex projects with consistency and quality.

10. Manufacturer of the Year 

Acknowledges manufacturers advancing construction excellence through product innovation and partnerships.

11. Retrofit Project of the Year – Modern (AET Flexible Space)

Projects revitalising existing buildings with modern design and sustainability.

12. Small Project of the Year (up to £5m) – Sponsored by Clement Windows

Recognising impactful, well-executed small-scale construction efforts.

13. Specialist Contractor of the Year

Celebrating niche contractors delivering precision and expertise in specialised builds.

Why This Matters From a Recruiter’s Viewpoint

• Talent Attraction: Firms and projects on this list are magnets for top talent seeking innovation, growth, and prestige.
• Hiring Insight: Key recruitment opportunities emerge across diverse sectors like housing, retrofit, digital innovation, and leadership.
• Industry Leadership: These honourees showcase fields where the best skills are in demand - for clients and candidates who value quality and innovation.

Want to explore architecture, civils or construction jobs within some pioneering companies or identify opportunities aligned with these initiatives? Let’s connect - We’re ready to help you navigate and engage with this thriving segment of the market.

Sources - Building Awards 2025 Shortlist