Jun 26 2007
Derwent London has won this year’s RIBA Client of the Year Award for its commissioning of both established and up-and-coming architects to deliver a mix of refurbished and new-built offices all over London, including this year’s RIBA Award winning Dorset Square by John McAslan and Partners.
The announcement was made tonight at The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National and International Awards dinner in London at the Hilton Hotel, held during Architecture Week 2007.
The RIBA Client of the Year Award annually rewards the vital role a good client plays in the creation of fine architecture; the winner receives a cheque for £5,000 to be spent on a contemporary work of art by an artist working in Britain.
Speaking about the award, the judges said:
“What marks Derwent out for this award is their willingness to seek out the architects that they believe are right for the project and to then work with them to make significant architecture in the difficult field of the speculative office. Over the last twenty plus years Derwent have supported emerging talent by commissioning Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Allies and Morrison, David Chipperfield, John McAslan, Lifschutz, Davidson Sandilands, as well as the Richard Rogers Partnership.
“Following the recent merger of Derwent Valley and London Merchant Securities, Derwent London has embarked on new series of major London projects including Qube: 100,000 square feet of office space fronting Tottenham Court Road designed by EPR Architects and an equally large scheme in Paddington by Fletcher Priest Architects: Telstar House which is already fully let.
“Derwent continue to focus on regeneration through architecture: helping to identify the next generation of RIBA Award- winning practices.”
Derwent London fought off strong competition from four others on the shortlist:
- The Barbican for its work with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to upgrade and make sense of this historic building
- The Crown Estate for its conservation work and improvements to the Crown Estate's stock, culminating in the Savill Building by Glenn Howells Architects
- The Roundhouse for its remarkable refurbishment of this former engine shed with John McAslan + Partners, restoring a major venue to the London scene
- The Royal Air Force Museum for commissioning two major projects in recent years, including Cold War Museum by Feilden Clegg Bradley
The award is judged by members of the RIBA’s Awards Group, which is chaired by architect Niall McLaughlin and includes both lay members as well as architects. They consider clients of the year’s RIBA Award-winning schemes but take into account a track record of previous successful commissioning, particularly where this has led to earlier RIBA Awards.