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, 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.
Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge picked up two awards at the 2025 Brick Awards last night, including winner of the Education category for outstanding architectural design, craftsmanship, and innovation in educational spaces, as well as a Special Award for Excellence.
Haworth Tompkins is working with The Castle to shape a long-term vision for the future of its spaces, building on the facility’s already strong commitment to sustainable operations.
American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, along with Harvard Capital Projects, Shawmut Design and Construction, Haworth Tompkins, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, and Charcoalblue, marked a major construction milestone with the ceremonial topping off of the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance.
Rother District Council has unanimously granted planning permission and listed building consent for the De La Warr Pavilion Masterplan, launching this major capital project to transform heritage for community, creativity & skills that will both preserve its iconic heritage and transform it for future generations.
The Warburg Institute highly commended at the Camden Design Awards
| 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 → |