Early Career Architects Going for Gold – The RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2024

Keeping the torch burning brightly for brilliant British architecture!

Since its creation in 1998, the Stephen Lawrence Prize has become so much more than a memorial to his name – now, it’s also a shining symbol of the potential he held before his senseless murder. Founded by his mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, and the Marco Goldschmeid Foundation, this annual prize honours Stephen’s ambition to be an architect, while paying homage to the early career architects that tread the path he planned to take.

The Stephen Lawrence Award exclusively recognises projects led by early career project architects who are going for gold in context and design. Revealed on 8 August 2024, the six shortlisted project contestants will attend the RIBA Stirling Prize Ceremony on 16 October when the winner will be announced.

The jury chair Matthew Goldschmied, Managing Trustee at the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, explained that this year’s projects made the competition extremely challenging for the judges.

“This year’s shortlisted projects all express an intention to provide therapeutic engagement with their users, their communities and their environment. Each, in some way, promises and delivers a place of comfort and reassurance. The recently qualified project architects in all cases have been instrumental in delivering these exemplary buildings.

The jury deliberations are challenging when the overall quality of eligible projects is so high, and this year was no exception. In celebrating the achievements of early-career practitioners, all those who follow can be inspired and encouraged to make a positive contribution to their communities and to their profession.”

That should have whetted your appetite, so without further ado, the six shortlisted projects are… drumroll…

• Bluebird by SKArchitects (Project Architect: Danielle Simpson). This is not only a housing scheme providing 50 rooms with communal facilities for homeless people, but a place that gives the first step up towards independent living. Dignity and community are the first words that spring to mind. This is a project that prioritises hope.
• Chowdhury Walk by Al-Jawad Pike (Project Architect: Filippo Antonucci). Chowdhury Walk is the first part of “an ambitious programme of new generation council housing” provided in Hackney. The development creates something new and exciting with sculptural infill, and demonstrates exactly what a lot of imagination can do with very humble beginnings.
• The Little Big House by Knox Bhavan (Project Architect: Fergus Knox). “An accessible private oasis delightfully balancing the need for practical storage of medical equipment and live-in care with a warm, homely character.” This thoroughly forward-thinking approach to care in the 2020s is the new benchmark for future projects.
• Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre café by Mark Wray Architects (Project Architect: Sebastian Walker), Sanderson Sculptures, and Fold Engineering. This marine-inspired café provides a thoughtful and striking contrast to the listed structure at its side. Sensitive and evolving architecture for tomorrow.
• Southwark House by VATRAA (Project Architect: Anamaria Pircu). Southwark House is the 76 square metre reinvention of a former council house. The redesign “offers lessons in environmental and spatial reinvention,” and how to work wonders within a tight budget. The result? A story of space, light, and materials, producing a home of distinct character and warmth.
• Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects (Project Architect: Clementine Blakemore). This disused Dorset dairy farm has been transformed into a community space, accommodation, and educational smallholding for people with disabilities. A built environment project with a stringent ‘must-have’ list, Clementine has managed to bring sunshine, oxygen and style into the design. The result is practical and beautiful in equal measures.

From mustard BE, a huge congratulations to all the shortlistees, and the very best of luck in October!

Are you an early career architect with a curious glow about you?

If so, you could be the next big thing, and our mustard BE division would like a word with you! We have the most sought-after jobs in the architectural industry landing on our desks, as well as the most promising talent on our books – so get your phone ready and dial 0117 929 6060 now!