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News
PR
11 May 26
Inside the RIBA North West Awards 2026
What it’s like judging some of the region’s best architecture
At Unhooked, as a specialist construction PR agency we spend a lot of time working with businesses across the built environment sector, from building product manufacturers and distributors PR to architects, developers, planning consultancies and construction brands. So when Unhooked Managing Director Claire Gamble was invited to join the jury for the Royal Institute of British Architects North West Awards 2026 as a lay assessor, it was a brilliant opportunity to see first-hand the thinking, skill and collaboration behind some of the region’s most impressive projects.
Claire joined the regional jury alongside architects Pablo Iglesias, Dave McCall, Alexandra Fairclough and Deepak Sadhwani.
The judging process
The process began with an online judging session, where the jury reviewed the longlist and narrowed it down to 10 shortlisted projects from across the North West.
The shortlist included everything from heritage restorations and educational buildings to rural conversions and modern workspaces:
- Bank Barn Reimagined by Gagarin Studio Architects
- Byre House by MawsonKerr Architects
- Egyptian Rooms, Oldham by BDP with HNA Architects
- Foundation, Altrincham by BDP
- Isle of Man Ferry Terminal by The Manser Practice
- Kempston Street by Studio MUTT
- Manchester Metropolitan University – The Dalton Building by BDP with 5plus Architects
- Orchard House by Studio Bark
- Rochdale Town Hall by Donald Insall Associates
- Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool by Studio MUTT
RIBA North West Awards 2026 – Shortlisted Projects
Following the shortlist selection, the jury spent three days visiting every project in person. From Cumbria to Rochdale, Oldham to Manchester, Warrington to Liverpool, it was a packed schedule with plenty of miles travelled (and snacks eaten!) in between. But the site visits were an essential part of the process, because architecture is something you really need to experience in person.
Each visit across the three days was tightly timed, with 45 minutes allocated per project.
One of the most interesting things about the judging process was realising how much the experience of a building matters, not just the photographs, plans or written submissions.
All the projects had a story to them with specific briefs and unique challenges, and it was interesting to hear about these, along with the thinking behind the design and the impact the finished project had on its users or community.
It was also fascinating hearing the conversations between architects and clients. One thing that became very clear is just how emotionally invested architects become in their projects. Recognition and acknowledgement matter hugely within the profession, partly because of the sheer amount of time, energy and problem-solving that goes into each scheme.
Celebrating the winners
The winners were announced at the RIBA North West Awards ceremony on 6 May 2026 at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats, Manchester.
This year’s awards were particularly significant as they marked the 60th anniversary of the RIBA Awards programme, which has celebrated the UK’s best architecture since 1966.
There were six regional winners, with special awards for Building of the Year, Project Architect of the Year, Small Project of the Year, Sustainability Award, Conservation Award and Client of the Year.
• Bank Barn Reimagined by Gagarin Studio Architects: A sensitive reuse of a historic barn on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
• Byre House by MawsonKerr Architects: Winner of the Sustainability Award, recognising a Cumbrian farmstead project that successfully blends old and new architecture.
• Foundation, Altrincham by BDP: The transformation of a former department store into a new civic and community-focused space.
• Kempston Street by Studio MUTT: Winner of the Small Project of the Year Award for the transformation of a former Liverpool hat factory into a flexible workspace.
• Manchester Metropolitan University – The Dalton Building by BDP with 5plus Architects: Winner of Building of the Year, recognised for creating a forward-thinking university building combining advanced laboratories with social learning spaces.
• Rochdale Town Hall by Donald Insall Associates: A major restoration project that also received recognition for Conservation, Client Collaboration and Project Architecture.
Claire had the privilege of presenting two awards during the evening; the Regional Award for Manchester Metropolitan University – The Dalton Building, and the RIBA North West Small Project of the Year Award 2026 for Kempston Street.
A valuable experience
One of the most valuable parts of the experience was seeing how closely great projects connect storytelling, process and collaboration. It reinforced something we often talk about in PR too – people connect with the process and purpose of projects, just as much as they do the outcomes.
Whether it’s architecture and construction or PR and communications, the strongest stories are usually the ones that clearly show the journey, covering the challenges, thinking, collaboration and impact.
A huge congratulations to all the shortlisted and winning teams, and thank you to the Royal Institute of British Architects North West team, including Raluca-Diana Anghelina, Poppy Halliday and Laura Dalby, for making the experience so enjoyable.
You can see the full list of winners and shortlisted projects on the official RIBA North West Awards 2026 page.