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
Pembroke Mill Lane for Pembroke College, Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK's most prestigious award for architecture.
Wonderful to see the new performance spaces at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) alive with performance, rehearsal and teaching.
Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge has received a RIBA National Award.
Haworth Tompkins has been shortlisted in two categories at this year's Building Design Architect of the Year Awards.
We are so pleased to see The Court Theatre continue to receive industry recognition, with multiple honours at Friday night's Property Council New Zealand Industry Awards, including the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Judges' Choice Award.
In the second of three NLA articles, Tom Gibson, Associate Director at Haworth Tompkins, reflects on the practice’s international mass timber projects and the lessons they offer for timber construction in the UK.
Last week, Haworth Tompkins received the Dewi-Prys Thomas Award for our work on Theatr Clwyd in Mold, North Wales. The award celebrates the role of design in improving quality of life and supporting regeneration across Wales.
The redevelopment of Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge, for Pembroke College has been recognised with four RIBA awards, including a 2026 RIBA East Award, Building of the Year, Project Architect and the Conservation Award.
| 25.03.26 | Mass Timber Design Innovations: from fire strategy to carbon reduction, the challenges and opportunities of designing with timber. → |
| 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 → |