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EMERGING PRACTICE AWARD →
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
All entries will be considered for the following additional awards:
Note: Images featured above are representative for each category button and are not part of the GIA Design Awards 2023.
The GIA Supreme Award
The supreme Award can be awarded to any of the shortlisted buildings, the best body of work by an individual or a practice, or for an outstanding contribution to the GIA. This is only awarded when the quality and ambition of the work is truly exceptional and outstanding.
Wood for Good Award
Wood for Good is the timber industry’s campaign to promote use of wood in design and construction and in collaboration with the GIA, this award could be given to any of the shortlisted projects that demonstrate excellence in the application of timber technology.
The GIA Sustainabilty & Conservation Awards
All entries will be judged against the criteria of sustainability and conservation and an award will be given to the project that, in the opinion of the judges, best meets this criteria.
GUEST Judge
Gavin Miller
With over 20 years experience in architecture and urban design, often in highly challenging and sensitive settings, Gavin has become a specialist in being able to deliver successful solutions, through clear strategic and innovative spatial strategies, developed from a rigorous analysis of context, and in a wide range of scales. He views architecture, infrastructure, urban design, the public realm and landscape as an integrated whole. As Director of MICA Architects, Gavin has successfully guided the transition of the practice from Rick Mather Architects, building on the previous success and growing the practice into its latest incarnation, which was awarded AJ Architect of the Year, and Refurbishment Architect of the Year 2020.
Born and educated in Glasgow Gavin has worked on masterplanning schemes in Belgium, France, Austria, Baton Rouge, London and Scotland and has lectured and taught widely on urban design. Projects range from cultural master planning at Greenwich Maritime and the South Bank Centre; to campus masterplans and educational buildings for Stowe School, Wellington College, Universities of Lincoln, Liverpool John Moores, Southampton and East London; to the delivery of innovative new homes for Brent and Camden including Chester Balmore a contextual mixed-use Passivhaus scheme in leafy Highgate; to estate strategies and retrofit commercial spaces for stranded assets in the central London; to the transformation of the grade II listed Centre Point complex in London which now offers unique retail spaces, new homes and a world class public space.
He is currently leading the restoration of the Maltings Theatre to create a rejuvenated multi-venue facility for the community in Berwick.
Rules & Judging
Rules
The awards are open to Chartered Architects, individuals or practices based in the GIA Chapter area and buildings within the UK & Ireland. They are also open to practices that are not members of the GIA but have completed buildings within the GIA Chapter area.
Buildings should be complete at the time of entry submission – the building’s completion should be in the 18 months preceding September 2023. Clients must be notified of any entry to the awards.
All projects are expected to meet statutory targets in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Photographs (but not text or drawings) can in exceptional circumstances be exchanged after the submission deadline, provided this is before the judging process starts, which is no more than one week after submissions close.
Social media and other marketing may mention an entry having been made, in order to promote the GIA Awards to a wider audience, but must not announce anything relating to “shortlisting” as a shortlist is not published.
Judging
Entries will be judged by category. Judges will be assessing entries against the criteria of ‘good architecture and buildings, whether new or adapted, which express good design in terms of function and effectiveness as well as aesthetics’.
Judging will take place over October and shortlisted buildings will be visited by the judges. Please note, alternative arrangements may be implemented if visits are unable to proceed.
The judging panels reserve the right to transfer an application if they feel it is more appropriately placed in another category than it was initially entered.
The GIA reserve the right not to grant an award or commendation in any or all categories. The judges’ decisions will be final.
emerging practice award
Brief
The Emerging Practice Award aims to recognize and celebrate a talented practice based in the GIA Chapter which has made a significant contribution to the field of architecture early in its existence, demonstrating exceptional creativity, innovation and potential, and whose work shows promise for shaping the future of architecture.
The submission should be a portfolio of work which may include built work of any scale, projects at design stage, competition entries, architectural teaching and writing, furniture and object design, and other relevant material.
Eligibility: The award is open to practices based within the GIA Chapter area and established within the past 5 years.
Portfolio: Entrants should demonstrate a strong body of work that showcases their architectural achievements and highlights their unique contribution. The work may include built projects, conceptual designs, research initiatives, or other architectural endeavours that exemplify creativity and innovation.
Design Excellence: The entry should reflect excellence in architectural design, displaying a clear understanding of form, function, aesthetics, and context. The submitted work should demonstrate a strong conceptual framework, thoughtful problem-solving, and a commitment to advancing architectural principles.
Contribution to the Field: Entrants should demonstrate how their work contributes to the advancement of the architectural profession and addresses contemporary challenges or societal needs. This can include sustainable design practices, social impact initiatives, community engagement, or innovative use of technology and materials.
Note: Where the portfolio includes work relating to a previous practice this must be identified as such.
Photographs (but not text or drawings) can in exceptional circumstances be exchanged after the submission deadline, provided this is before the judging process starts, which is no more than one week after submissions close.
Social media and other marketing may mention an entry having been made, in order to promote the GIA Awards to a wider audience, but must not announce anything relating to “shortlisting” as a shortlist is not published.
Judging
Design Excellence: The jury will evaluate the quality and innovation of the architectural designs presented by the entrants. This criterion encompasses the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall coherence of the projects.
Conceptual Framework: The judges will assess the strength and clarity of the entrants' conceptual frameworks, including the ability to articulate design ideas and address architectural challenges effectively.
Technical Proficiency: The jury will consider the technical competence demonstrated in the execution of the architectural projects, including detailing, construction methods, and material selection.
Impact and Originality: The judges will evaluate the extent to which the entrants' work demonstrates original thinking and makes a positive impact on the field of architecture, whether through sustainability, social relevance, technological advancements, or other notable contributions.
Potential: The judges will consider the potential of the entrants to shape the future of architecture and their ability to continue producing influential and innovative work in the years to come.
Our Sponsors
If you would like to sponsor the GIA Design Awards please email communications@gia.org.uk for a sponsorship pack.
