Celebrating our shortlisting as Architectural Practice of the Year at the Education Property Awards 2026

Having previously won this category and being included among such a strong field of finalists reflects the shared commitment of our talented teams and our collaborative and inclusive approach.

This shortlisting is a celebration of our work with universities, academy trusts, schools, colleges and the communities they serve. With decades of experience, our designs bring together technical expertise, creativity, curiosity and a genuine drive to improve learning outcomes whilst supporting students, staff and communities.

Below are some of the areas that contributed to our shortlisting.

Setting a benchmark in sustainable future-ready education design

Sustainability is central to the ethos of our practice and our educational spaces are informed by this. We work with our clients to shape resilient, low-carbon, cost effective spaces, whilst achieving and surpassing their sustainability goals.

Pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, we delivered the Woodmill and St Columba’s RC High School, the largest Passivhaus-certified education building in the world. This community driven school prioritises pupil and staff wellbeing in a stimulating, forward-thinking and environmentally conscious learning environment.

The opening of the school has been met with overwhelming positivity from pupils and teachers alike. Hear from those who benefit from this inspiring space below.

We are working with the Department for Education (DfE) on their GenZero Pathfinder programme, to deliver two of their five ultra-low carbon schools, Wellfield Academy and Woodside Primary. This programme sets out how we can deliver the next generation of schools, that are net zero carbon in operation and standardised for efficiency, helping the UK meet its 2050 net zero targets.

We pride ourselves on driving innovation in this area to foster industry-wide change and promote a net zero carbon future.

Read Director Imran Kassim’s insights on Wellfield Academy, which he shared at this year’s Education Estates Conference

Supporting every learner through inclusive, human-centred design

We shape supportive learning environments which enable students and staff alike to thrive. Through a deep understanding of human-centred design, we embed inclusivity and accessibility through all our projects.

The new Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre at The University of Salford exemplifies how trauma-informed and neurodiverse design principles can transform an academic environment, creating calm, intuitive spaces that promote confidence and wellbeing.

Hear more about how trauma-informed design is transforming education spaces in our podcast episode

Our thoughtfully designed Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) spaces are bespoke to each client’s requirements, always prioritising physical, sensory and cognitive inclusivity, whilst ensuring safety and comfort. Fundamental to this approach is listening to users; students, teachers, therapists, students, operations teams, families and the community and designing specialised, unique spaces with them, not just for them.

We are proud of our extensive experience in this area, demonstrated through our award-winning work at Silverwood SEND School, recognised as SEND Project of the Year at the Education Property Awards 2025.

This same ethos underpins Pear Tree SEND School, which supports students with complex needs through low-stimulus, sensory-sensitive and clearly navigable spaces that prioritise clarity, comfort and dignity.

Transformative higher education environments for the next generation of healthcare professionals

We are proud to shape higher education spaces which set a new benchmark for healthy and sustainable learning environments.

Within the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC), the WELL Platinum certified Daphne Steele Building and the Emily Siddon Building bring clinical simulation, research, wellbeing and academic spaces together, providing a truly authentic, real-world educational experience. Both of these projects demonstrate how our teams and project partners are helping define healthier, more connected university estates.

Read more about how patient-led design is shaping the future of healthcare education spaces

Collaboration and long-term relationships

Collaboration is key to our success. Through long-standing relationships with universities, academy trusts, colleges, local authorities, diocese bodies, the DfE, contractors, as well as staff, pupils and governors and their communities, we shape inclusive and supportive learning environments. Through the strength of these partnerships and our multiservice offering, we have a complete understanding of education design.

Looking ahead

Being shortlisted is a proud moment for us, it reflects the collective effort behind each project and our shared commitment to deliver sustainable, inclusive and high-performing educational spaces, which inspire learners, empower staff and strengthen communities, through innovative, evidence-driven design.

We’re grateful to everyone we work with who help shape these places with us and look forward to the results, announced in February.

We are at the forefront of education design, shaping inspiring, inclusive and sustainable learning environments. Get in touch to explore how we can bring your vision to life.