London has once again cemented its status as a global hub for architectural innovation and excellence, with nine of its projects receiving the prestigious Royal Institute Of British Architects’ (RIBA) National Awards for 2025. These accolades celebrate the very best new buildings and architectural interventions across the United Kingdom, recognising designs that make a significant contribution to their surroundings and enhance the way people live, work, and interact.
Out of a total of 20 winners across the country, London’s strong showing underscores the capital’s vibrant and diverse architectural landscape, featuring a mix of ambitious new builds, sensitive restorations, and transformative retrofits. The awarded projects span various typologies, from educational institutions and cultural landmarks to residential schemes and commercial spaces, reflecting the multifaceted needs of a dynamic metropolis.
Recognising Architectural Excellence
The RIBA National Awards are a cornerstone of the UK’s architectural calendar, symbolising design quality and architectural ambition. They serve as a benchmark for the highest standards in the industry, highlighting buildings that demonstrate exceptional design skill, technical innovation, and a profound understanding of context and user needs. The awards are not merely about aesthetics; they critically assess how architecture functions and its positive impact on society and the environment.
RIBA itself highlighted the profound power of architecture to transform society and inform our way of life, a philosophy vividly embodied by the 2025 winning projects. This year’s selection from London particularly exemplifies this ethos, showcasing how thoughtful design can revitalise historic structures, create nurturing community environments, provide much-needed affordable housing, and adapt existing buildings for a sustainable future.
London’s Diverse Winners
Among the notable London projects recognised are institutions that play a crucial role in the city’s cultural and educational fabric. The College of Fashion was celebrated as a winner, acknowledged for its contribution to London’s academic and creative landscape, though specific details regarding its location or architect were not detailed in the initial announcement. Such projects are vital in shaping the future generations of designers and artists, housed within spaces designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green also received an award for its ambitious reimagining. Formerly known as the Museum of Childhood, this cultural institution was transformed by the collaborative efforts of AOC Architecture and De Matos Ryan. The project is lauded for its innovative approach to updating a beloved community asset, creating spaces that are engaging and accessible for young visitors and families, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal.
A landmark of national significance, the Elizabeth Tower, home to the iconic Big Ben, was honoured for its extensive restoration. Undertaken by Purcell, this complex and delicate project was described as the most comprehensive restoration the tower has undergone in over 160 years. The award acknowledges the exceptional skill and dedication required to preserve such a vital part of the UK’s heritage while ensuring its structural integrity and functionality for decades to come. It stands as a testament to the craft of architectural conservation on a grand scale.
In the realm of residential architecture with a strong social dimension, two London projects were particularly noted. The Appleby Blue Almshouse in Southwark, designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, was praised specifically for its success in fostering communal interaction among the older generation residents. This highlights how architecture can be a powerful tool in combating isolation and building supportive communities, focusing on the well-being of its inhabitants through thoughtful spatial arrangement and shared facilities.
Similarly, Citizens House in Lewisham, a project by Archio, was recognised for its contribution to urban living. This three/four-storey block provides 11 homes alongside a public plaza, offering a model for integrating affordable housing with valuable public space. The award underscores the importance of architecture in addressing the housing crisis while simultaneously enhancing the public realm and creating vibrant, accessible neighbourhoods.
Further demonstrating the versatility and impact of modern architecture, 8 Bleeding Heart Yard, designed by GROUPWORK, also secured a National Award. This project was specifically celebrated for its retrofit into a sustainable workplace. It exemplifies how existing building stock can be creatively and environmentally consciously adapted to meet contemporary needs, promoting sustainability within the commercial sector and reducing the environmental footprint of urban development.
While nine London projects received awards, the initial announcement specifically detailed these six notable examples: the College of Fashion, the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, the Elizabeth Tower, Appleby Blue Almshouse in Southwark, Citizens House in Lewisham, and 8 Bleeding Heart Yard. The full list of nine London winners collectively represents a snapshot of the capital’s current architectural strengths – its ability to innovate, conserve, and design for diverse communities.
A Tapestry of Design and Purpose
The collection of London winners for 2025 paints a rich picture of the capital’s architectural health. From the meticulous conservation of a historic landmark to the creation of inclusive community housing and sustainable workplaces, these projects illustrate the breadth of architectural practice and its tangible impact on the city. RIBA’s commendation of these buildings serves as a recognition of the vision of the clients, the skill of the architects, and the collaborative efforts that bring such impactful projects to fruition.
These National Award winners will now be considered for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize 2025, awarded to the UK’s best new building. London’s strong contingent indicates the capital’s significant influence on the national architectural stage and its ongoing commitment to delivering buildings of exceptional quality and societal value.
