We are proud to announce our shortlisting in three categories at the 2025 Education Property Awards, a celebration of excellence in the design and delivery of outstanding educational environments. The awards ceremony will take place on 20 May 2025 at the Leeds Marriott Hotel, as part of UKREiiF in Leeds.
HLM Architects has been named as finalists in three categories at this year’s Education Property Awards.
We have been named a finalist for Architectural Practice of the Year, recognising over two decades of sector-leading work that continues to redefine how educational spaces inspire, support, and transform lives. In addition, The Wave—the home for the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Social Sciences—has been shortlisted in two categories: Higher Education Project of the Year and Exterior Project of the Year.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be finalists in three categories at this year’s Education Property Awards,” said Claire Wakelin, Director, Head of Education at HLM Architects. “This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment of our talented teams and the collaborative partnerships we forge with clients and stakeholders. We are especially proud of The Wave at the University of Sheffield, a landmark project that exemplifies our vision of designing inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring spaces for learning and research.”
At the heart of our design approach is a belief in the transformative power of education. Through pioneering research and innovation—including bespoke digital tools like HLM Insight and HLM Place, the practice champions inclusive design, sustainable delivery, and evidence-based solutions that meet today’s needs while anticipating future demands. From Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools designed to Passivhaus standards to net-zero higher education campuses, our projects continue to shape the future of education through our Thoughtful Design ethos.
The Wave is a standout example of this approach. Designed to bring together five departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences, the building is a vibrant hub of collaboration, active learning, and interdisciplinary research. A central atrium surrounded by curved floorplates encourages movement and interaction, while biophilic elements, inclusive design features, and varied learning environments ensure the building meets the needs of all users. It’s easy to see why it’s been named as a finalist in the Higher Education Project of the Year category.
Externally, The Wave’s landscape strategy integrates two new ‘pocket parks’, a public café, and biodiversity-rich green corridors. This sustainable public realm mirrors the fluid architectural form of the building and reflects Sheffield’s natural landscape. The use of natural stone, timber, wildflower planting, and over 80 native trees reinforce the building’s BREEAM Outstanding rating and Exterior Project of the Year shortlisting.
We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many fantastic practices and projects at this year’s Education Property Awards. It’s an exciting time for the education sector, and we look forward to celebrating with all the finalists in during UKREiiF in Leeds in May which Director, Head of Education Claire Wakelin will be attending. Alongside Claire, our Studio Directors Delia Harmston, Gareth Woodfin, Ryan Sylvester and Katie Parfitt, Strategic Director Richard O’Neil, Masterplanner Karan Bakre, Head of Marketing & Communications Rebecca Ball, Senior Interior Designer Caitlin Cadman, Masterplanner & Architect Duncan Thomas, and Associate AJ Taylor all will also be attending this year’s conference. Please drop them a message if you would like to meet up with them.
