RIBA's 2024 Client of the Year shortlist highlights patrons delivering socially-minded architecture in the UK

The Royal Institute of British Architects has announced the shortlist for the 2024 Client of the Year. The annual award recognizes clients who commission outstanding and transformative architecture.

This year's list features four clients for their work on projects, including a special educational needs and disabilities school, a community hub, an accessible retreat, and a new culture center. Among the highlighted projects, Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects is also shortlisted for the 2024 Stirling Prize and the Stephen Lawrence Prize.

"This is a truly inspiring shortlist," Simon Henley, Chair of the RIBA Client of the Year 2024, remarked. "It celebrates four clients who have each shown huge courage and determination in commissioning and stewarding their buildings to fruition. Each brings with it incredible social value to its communities and constituencies."

The winner of the Award will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on October 16th in London.

Derbyshire County Council for Alfreton Park Community Special School by Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture in Alfreton

Jury citation: "A school for pupils aged 3 to 19 years with special needs, Alfreton Park Community Special School is a shining example of what can be accomplished when an ambitious client and a skilful architect work harmoniously together. The jury were impressed by the drive and determination of both the client and the architect to achieve their shared vision for an exemplary education setting that goes significantly above and beyond the standard school offering."

Shakespeare North Trust and Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council for Shakespeare North by Helm Architecture with executive architects Austin-Smith: Lord in Prescot

Jury citation: "An ambitious vision for a local community along with an extraordinary brief from a dedicated client has seen a council-owned car park transformed into a theatre and education building promoting learning, experimentation, and reinterpretation of William Shakespeare’s works. The project aims to inspire a community, raise educational aspiration and attainment, and play a part in regenerating the local region. Community engagement throughout the duration of the project extended to the supply chain, partnerships with local merchants, and collaborations with independent businesses."

Belfast City Council and Falls Community Council for St Comgall's, Belfast, by Hall Black Douglas Architects in Belfast

Jury citation: "Formerly a derelict primary school, the new St Comgall’s exemplifies architecture in service of a community. Re-imagined and then painstakingly remade, the crumbling 1930’s structure has become a vibrant new home for Belfast City Council. The client and end users were keen to tap into the local memory of the civic site and the shared history of The Troubles as experienced by the community. The result is an exemplar of ‘living heritage’ that bears witness to the past while fostering a future of connectivity."

Nick Read for Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects in Dorset

Jury citation: "Extraordinary ambition and commitment from the client and architect has seen this dilapidated Dorset dairy farm sensitively repaired and converted into highly accessible holiday accommodation. Sparked by personal experience of disability and frustration at the standard of available wheelchair-accessible accommodation, the development's extensive and efficient accessible features give disabled guests independence. The jury was inspired by the client’s ambition to have a wide-reaching social and environmental impact."