We're shortlisted for Architectural Practice of the Year at IHEEM 2025 Awards

At AHR, we work across the full spectrum of healthcare – from major acute hospitals and specialist facilities to community health settings – always guided by a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and creating lasting value for the people who use them.

Being shortlisted is a testament to the dedication, creativity and passion of our talented teams over the past year, and to the strong, trusted relationships we have built with our healthcare partners over many years.

It also recognises the innovation we bring to every project – whether that’s through harnessing cutting-edge digital tools, embedding sustainable design principles, or placing the wellbeing of staff and patients at the very heart of our work.

Recognising excellence

With a diverse portfolio, our work across the UK and internationally goes beyond what is expected of a traditional healthcare environment.

This recognition highlights two of our most transformative projects from the past year that reflect the breadth and impact of our portfolio: the Countess of Chester Hospital Women’s and Children’s Unit and the Daphne Steele Building at the University of Huddersfield.

Countess of Chester Hospital Women and Children’s Unit

We have created a new women and children’s unit designed around the needs of patients, families and staff. Replacing the outdated RAAC-panelled building, the new, net zero carbon in operation facility will provide a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who uses it.

The sweeping curve of the single-bedded inpatient wing is shaped to feel calm and intuitive for mothers and families, while courtyards bring natural light into clinical areas – lifting spirits, supporting recovery and creating healthier working environments for staff.

The Daphne Steele Building

This pioneering building sets a new benchmark for health-focused design, sustainable placemaking and wellbeing. As the first in the UK designed to achieve WELL Platinum certification, it puts people at the heart of its vision.

Next door, the Emily Siddon Building integrates university functions with a new CDC - bringing services closer to communities and enhancing health outcomes.

Sharing deep sector knowledge, expertise and experience

By combining deep expertise with innovative thinking, we deliver solutions that create future-ready, patient-focused environments, enhance staff wellbeing and unlock long-term value for the NHS and wider society.

Our podcast series, hosted by our experts, brings these ideas to life through insightful conversations on the sector’s most pressing priorities.

Already, we have explored how to design future-ready healthcare spaces that put patients first, the innovative ways the NHS estate can be repurposed to improve health and wellbeing, as well as how healthcare design can actively support staff wellbeing, retention and job satisfaction.

These discussions highlight our ability to shape the built environment as a driver of positive change, helping clients address today’s challenges while planning for tomorrow.

Through our thought leadership, we go further — providing in-depth perspectives on how the government’s new 10-year health plan for England will reshape healthcare delivery, how decarbonisation is redefining the future of the healthcare estate, and how innovation in design and planning can help our clients meet both immediate needs and long-term ambitions.

We are also proud to contribute to the national conversation on healthcare design through active participation in key industry bodies, including Architects for Health.

Explore more of our expertise and see how we can help you deliver healthcare spaces that are resilient, sustainable and future-focused.

Discover the key insights from our 2024 roundtable series in our full report, where we unpack the themes, challenges and opportunities shaping the journey to decarbonisation.

As healthcare needs evolve, we are helping shape resilient, inclusive and efficient environments. Trusted by NHS Trusts, health boards, local authorities and academic institutions, we deliver technically complex, socially meaningful projects that transform the healthcare estate and improve lives across the UK.

Get in touch to find out how we can support you.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the IHEEM Awards 2025?

The IHEEM Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in healthcare engineering and design, recognising organisations and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare estate.

2. Why has AHR been shortlisted for Architectural Practice of the Year?

AHR has been recognised for its innovative and sustainable healthcare design projects, including the Countess of Chester Hospital Women’s and Children’s Unit and the Daphne Steele Building at the University of Huddersfield, both of which set new benchmarks in patient and staff wellbeing.

3. What types of healthcare projects does AHR deliver?

AHR’s portfolio spans major acute hospitals, specialist facilities, community health settings and healthcare education buildings, all designed with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term value.

4. How does AHR support the NHS and wider healthcare sector?

Through collaborative, research-led design, AHR creates environments that enhance patient experiences, improve staff wellbeing, and deliver operational efficiency, helping the NHS and healthcare partners meet immediate needs while planning for the future.