Haworth Tompkins picked up three awards at last night’s BD Architect of the Year Awards ceremony including the coveted Gold Award for the 'best of the best', as well as winning Best Architect Employer of the Year, and Higher Education Architect of the Year.
Building Design described the practice as ‘masters at blending sensitive historic restoration with strong yet respectful modern interventions.’
Our winning higher education submission included a range of projects from strategic multi-site masterplans and decarbonisation studies to complex refurbishments and extensions. This included two Cambridge University projects – the expansion of Pembroke College, Cambridge at Mill Lane and the ongoing masterplan and decarbonisation plan for Trinity Hall. It also included the recent £14.5m refurbishment of The Warburg Institute, University of London, and the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, which is currently on site and due for completion next year.
The judges said: “The Mill Lane project delighted judges with its elegant detailing, refined material choices, and uplifting environments. A strategic, contextual approach delivered beautifully finished spaces—inside and out—that reflect thoughtful design and a deep respect for place.”
The Award for Best Architect Employer of the Year recognises the studios commitment to providing a positive and high-quality work environment. In the last year we’ve championed wellbeing and inclusion, introducing a 37.5-hour week, a clearer TOIL policy, and an annual Wellbeing Week. Our refreshed recruitment approach achieved a 50-50 diversity balance for new hires, and we welcomed our first Level 6 and 7 apprentices, strengthening opportunity, balance, and growth across Haworth Tompkins.
Building Design said: 'The judges were impressed by Haworth Tompkins’ employee ownership model, strong mental health support, flexible working culture, and diversity initiative - making them the clear and deserving winner, recognised for leading with compassion, innovation, and inclusive values in architecture.'
“Winning these awards is an incredible honour that reflects the collective spirit of our studio. They recognise not only the quality and sensitivity of our design work but also the inclusive, supportive culture we’ve built together, which we are incredibly proud of. Joanna Sutherland - Director, Haworth Tompkins
Haworth Tompkins has three projects shortlisted at this year’s Pineapple Awards: The Developer and Festival of Place, which celebrate excellence in placemaking. The shortlists demonstrate the strength of our approach to placemaking and collaborative design.
Unanimous planning permission has been granted for Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula, a new 3,000-capacity performance venue designed by Haworth Tompkins.
Haworth Tompkins Associate Director Ken Okonkwo has been reappointed as a Mayor’s Design Advocate (MDA) for the 2025–2028 term, marking his second appointment to the role.
2025 was a demanding year for the built environment, but also one of real momentum for Haworth Tompkins. Against a challenging economic and political backdrop, the practice continued to adapt, collaborate and deliver work of lasting value.
The £2 billion York Central regeneration project has submitted the latest planning application for the next stage of delivery and includes Haworth Tompkins designs for Foundry Village; a walkable, street-based neighbourhood designed that will deliver 368 mixed-tenure homes.
Theatr Clwyd has been shortlisted for Theatre Building of the Year at this year’s Stage Awards.
Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge and The Warburg Renaissance have been selected as Regional Finalists in the 2026 Civic Trust Awards and will now be considered for National Awards with the winners announced January 2026.
Haworth Tompkins has completed Backstage at the Old Vic, a new build six storey extension to the Grade II* listed Old Vic Theatre, in London’s Waterloo marking a bold new chapter in the theatre’s remarkable 200-year story.
| 30.10.25 | Construction Reaches Topping Off Milestone for the New Home of the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University → |
| 28.07.25 | Haworth Tompkins reveals plans for the redevelopment of Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion → |
| 13.05.25 | Haworth Tompkins to lead design of affordable housing in £2.5 Billion York Central Regeneration → |