HLM Architects is delighted to be shortlisted in five categories at this year’s Building Design Architects of the Year Awards, marking a significant recognition of our commitment to thoughtful design, social value, sustainability, and a people-first ethos.
These five shortlisting’s reflect our holistic, purpose-driven approach to architecture—one that puts people and the planet at the heart of everything we do.
The five categories are: Best Architect Employer of the Year, Social Value Award, Higher Education Architect of the Year, Interior Architect of the Year, and Net Zero Architect of the Year. This recognition reflects our holistic, purpose-driven approach to architecture—one that puts people and the planet at the heart of everything we do.
Notably, this is the second consecutive year we’ve been shortlisted for the Social Value, Higher Education, and Interior Architect awards—demonstrating the continued impact, consistency, and design excellence that our projects bring to the communities they serve.
As a people-first practice, our nomination for Employer of the Year acknowledges the inclusive and nurturing culture we’ve cultivated, guided by our I-BELONG framework and strengthened by our transition to Employee Ownership in 2021. Through our six strategic objectives, continuous learning via the HLM Academy, and initiatives like our 10-year leadership succession plan, we’re proud to support every team member in thriving professionally and personally.
Our shortlisting for the Social Value Award highlights our enduring commitment to community and environmental wellbeing. Projects such as Barnsley Civic and Two Bridges Academy demonstrate how we integrate inclusivity, regeneration, and sustainability into every aspect of our design. Alongside this, our outreach work—from mentorships to the Sheffield Charity Construction Ball—ensures we continue to deliver social value far beyond project boundaries.
In the Higher Education category, our research-led and user-informed design approach is recognised through projects like the Health Sciences Library at the University of Leeds, the Digital Nexus, and the London Institute for Healthcare Engineering. Each one exemplifies our focus on future-ready environments that foster wellbeing, innovation, collaboration and inspire learners of all ages and abilities.
Being shortlisted for Interior Architect of the Year reflects our team’s passion for creating internal spaces that are both beautiful and purposeful. The interiors of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sheffield respond to local identity and heritage, while the Health Sciences Library reimagines learning space with biophilic design, sustainable materials, and wellness at its core.
Our nomination for Net Zero Architect of the Year is a testament to our leadership in sustainable design. From Keele Innovation Centre 7 (IC7), an all-electric, renewably powered innovation centre for Keele University to Two Bridges Academy and our work on the DfE’s MMC1 Framework, we continue to drive progress in low-carbon design and construction aligned with the RIBA 2030 Sustainable Outcomes.
These five nominations reflect our belief that architecture has the power to inspire, connect, and create lasting value for people and the planet. Thoughtful Design. It’s in our nature.
Commenting on the announcement, Philip Watson, Chair and Head of Design at HLM Architects, said:
“To be shortlisted in five categories at the Architects of the Year Awards is a great achievement, reflecting our design excellence across higher education and interior design, our overarching strategic ambition to be an employer of choice, and our desire to maximise social impact through our projects and operations. It’s also further recognition of the practice’s ambition to lead on the design of net-zero carbon environments that support our client’s sustainability goals.”
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