What it takes to be Architectural Practice of the Year –

For us at HLM Architects, being shortlisted is recognition of a journey spanning more than 60 years. Throughout that time, we have remained focused on one simple belief: architecture has the power to improve lives. Every project, partnership and innovation is driven by a commitment to create places that put people, communities and the planet first. 

That purpose has never been more important. Thoughtful design. It’s in our nature. 

Great architecture should create positive outcomes far beyond the buildings themselves. It should strengthen communities, support wellbeing, respond to climate challenges and leave a legacy. 

Over the past year, we’ve demonstrated that purpose and commercial success can go hand in hand. We achieved 22% revenue growth, welcomed 79 new colleagues, established our Dublin studio to strengthen our presence across Ireland and expanded into Plymouth, reconnecting with a city where we have deep project roots. 

Our growth has enabled further investment in specialist expertise, including the creation of a dedicated environmental sustainability team spanning sustainable architecture, Passivhaus, regenerative design, landscape architecture, heritage retrofit, interiors, masterplanning and sustainable Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). 

Growth isn’t simply about becoming bigger. It’s about increasing our capacity to deliver meaningful impact for more clients, communities and places. 

Innovation should never exist for its own sake. The most valuable innovation solves real challenges. 

That’s why research and development are embedded within our practice through HLM RaD, our dedicated R&D programme exploring the future of the built environment. 

Working alongside clients, universities, policymakers and industry partners, we’re developing practical solutions that help shape better outcomes across housing, healthcare, education and public infrastructure. 

Examples include the Cairn Digital Design Toolkit, a 5D system helping transform housing delivery, and our Regenerative Twin research, demonstrating an 84% reduction in whole-life carbon through regenerative design principles. We are also collaborating with the NHS to develop new engagement tools that place staff wellbeing at the centre of healthcare design. 

Alongside this, our evidence-based placemaking platform, HLM Place, combines digital dashboards with consultancy expertise to help clients make smarter, data-led decisions about their estates and communities. 

Innovation only matters when it improves lives. 

Award-winning architecture is rarely the result of one idea or one individual. It comes from listening carefully, challenging assumptions and working collaboratively. That collaborative approach is reflected across our portfolio. 

The RIBA London 2026 award winning, London Institute for Healthcare Engineering brings clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators together under one roof to accelerate the future of MedTech.   

The Health Sciences Library at the University of Leeds transforms a traditional library into a biophilic, inclusive, student-led environment designed for wellbeing, adaptability, and modern learning needs.   

Thames Christian School is a RIBA London and national and Civic Trust award-winning co–located independent secondary school and Baptist Chapel that stands as a testament to civic character, thoughtful design and tranquility.    

Wetherby Pembridge School reimagines a multi-storey car park into a co-educational secondary school and community theatre within the Olympia London regeneration, creating resilient, inspiring learning environments.   

Across every sector, our ambition remains the same: create places that serve the people who use them. 

Perhaps the strongest measure of any architectural practice is its people. 

Since becoming an Employee Ownership Trust in 2020, we’ve continued building a culture where everyone has a voice and shares in our success. In 2025, colleagues received a 5% profit share, reflecting the value created together. 

Investment in learning through the HLM Academy, our Employee Voice Hub, and our six Strategic Objectives supports continuous development at every career stage. 

Our commitment to inclusion continues through initiatives including the I-BELONG framework, support for the RIBA Future Leaders programme, the Race Forum, the Social Mobility Pledge, and ensuring that 50% of our work experience placements support schools in areas of low social mobility and care leavers. 

Through our Social Value strategy, we also dedicate 2% of project fees to community initiatives, education and skills development, contributing more than 4,500 hours of social value during 2025. 

Being shortlisted for Building Awards Architectural Practice of the Year is something we’re incredibly proud of. 

However, awards are milestones rather than destinations. 

The challenges facing the built environment continue to evolve, from climate resilience and housing delivery to healthcare transformation and inclusive placemaking. Meeting those challenges requires curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to continually improve. 

At HLM Architects, these principles have shaped our first 60 years and continue to guide our future. 

Friendly in our approach, assured in our expertise and ambitious in our impact, we remain committed to creating places that improve lives, strengthen communities and help build a more sustainable future. 

Because ultimately, that’s what it takes to be an Architectural Practice of the Year. Thoughtful design. It’s in our nature.