RIBA celebrates clients championing brilliant architecture with their Client of the Year shortlist

At its core, architecture is a service industry; architects don't work for themselves but for clients who have the say on a range of decisions that effect design outcomes. Every year, RIBA recognizes the importance of this relationship by awarding patrons that champion the creation of fine architecture with their "Client of the Year" awards. Supported by the Bloxham Charitable Trust, the Royal Institute of British Architects has just announced the shortlist for this years edition.

The 2017 shortlist is:

↑ Bedales School for Bedales School Art and Design Building, Hampshire by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

The manner and spirit of the conversations with Matthew Rice, chair of governors, and others at the school was so influential – it was a co-authorship in the truest sense. It is a building after a philosophy of being – the ethos of the school is manifest throughout. — Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

↑ Forestry Commision for Stihl Treetop Walkway, designed by Glenn Howells Architects and for Wolfson Tree Management Center, designed by Invisible Studio.

The timber was hand hewn by volunteers on site, graded on site, and used in an untreated and unprocessed way, with Westonbirt's own staff joining the construction team throughout to acquire new skills that could be used on the Estate. The client showed an enormously level head, patience, shred judgement and brilliant project management skills in assisting delivering buildings that are a model for any and every rural community. — Invisible Studio

↑ London Borough of Enfield for Dujardin Mews by Karakusevic Carson Architects.

Peter George has led an ambitious and design focused team at Enfield Council to start a borough-wide home building program delivered directly by the council, of which Dujardin Mews is the pioneer scheme...Delivering successful projects in such complex locations is really challenging and the success of Dujardin Mews shows the commitment, investment and ambition needed to change the status quo and exhibit the potential of the public sector. — Karakusevic Carson Architects

↑ Tate for Tate Modern Blavatnik Building by Herzog & de Meuron.

Tate Modern has been recognized as the leading gallery of modern art; a progressive and vital public space that attracts millions of visitors every year and has transformed this area of London and the way the world experiences art. For over twenty years, we have had the privilege of collaborating with this inspiring organization, and are honored to have been a part of Tate's vision for this extraordinary institution. — Herzog & de Meuron