We’re absolutely thrilled to share that we scooped up two fantastic awards at this year’s Education Estates Awards 2024, alongside being Highly Commended for Architectural Practice of the Year.
Our projects for the University of Sheffield – The Wave and the Arts Tower – were both recognised. The Wave won the Student/Pupil Experience category for its outstanding impact on students and The Arts Tower won the Building Resilience: Buildings that Have Stood the Test of Time category.
Both wins reflect our long-standing partnership with the university and shared commitment to creating spaces that inspire, connect, and endure.
“It was fantastic to celebrate both wins alongside HLM and Richard Parr. Both The Wave and the Arts Tower represent the great partnership and continued work between HLM Architects and the University. These awards recognise how our collaboration continues to deliver impactful, award-winning projects that enhance the experience of our students, staff, and local community—while standing the test of time as integral parts of our growing and incredible campus.
David Holland Project Manager at the University of Sheffield:
The Wave, University of Sheffield wins Student/Pupil Experience category, Education Estates Awards 2025, Higher Education Architects
Double Win for HLM Architects and the University of Sheffield at the Education Estates Awards 2024
The Wave: Redefining the Student Experience
The Wave took home the Student/Pupil Experience Award. This landmark project has completely reimagined the student experience for the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Social Sciences, bringing together departments that were previously spread across 18 buildings into one vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative space. The project has also gained recognition among education estates awards architects, highlighting its impact on the higher education environment.
From its light-filled atrium and biophilic design features to its diverse mix of study environments and shallow-raked lecture theatres, The Wave embodies everything we believe great education design should be: people-centred, flexible, and inspiring—qualities recognised by leading education estates awards architects.
The results speak for themselves – 83% of students say it supports their learning, and nearly 80% report increased collaboration, a success increasingly recognised by education estates awards architects.. Designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and be carbon neutral in operation, The Wave is an exemplar in sustainable and adaptable educational design.
The Arts Tower: Standing the Test of Time
We were equally delighted to see the Arts Tower win the Building Resilience: Buildings that Have Stood the Test of Time category. An enduring icon of Sheffield’s skyline, the Arts Tower continues to prove that great design never fades.
Through careful upgrades and thoughtful interventions, we have helped ensure this much-loved building continues to thrive – honouring its rich heritage while ensuring it meets the needs of today’s students and staff. It’s a proud reminder that resilience and innovation can go hand in hand, exemplifying the high standards associated with education estates awards architects and their commitment to creating inspiring learning environments for future generations.
Shaping the Future of Education
Being Highly Commended for Architectural Practice of the Year was the icing on the cake. It’s recognition of our ongoing commitment to research-led, human-centred design – from our work exploring the Circular Economy and Digital Twinning, to developing digital design solutions like HLM Place that will help shape the next generation of learning environments, while further strengthening our reputation as education estates awards architects committed to delivering lasting social value.
“It’s fantastic to see both The Wave and the Arts Tower, two transformative projects at the University of Sheffield, come away with wins at last night’s awards. What a special moment to celebrate with our guests including David Holland from the University of Sheffield. We are also delighted to be Highly Commended in the Architectural Practice of the Year. These recognitions are testament to the talent, dedication, and passion of our people—who consistently go above and beyond to design inspiring places of education that transform lives, for learners of all ages and abilities.”
Claire Wakelin Director, Head of Education at HLM Architects
