RIBA’s Client of the Year shortlist for 2026 recognises six exceptional clients for their role in delivering transformative and considered projects.
This year's shortlist includes a community interest company's transformation of an old butter market (Redruth Revival CIC for The Buttermarket), a new dance theatre and school of choreography (Sadler's Wells and London Legacy Development Corporation for Sadler's Wells East), and two contemporary additions to a historic cathedral (York Minster for Heritage Quad: York Minster Centre of Excellence and Technology Hub: York Minster Centre of Excellence).
The regeneration of a derelict group of sites (British Land for Norton Folgate), the reimagination of the Natural History Museum Gardens (Natural History Museum, London for Urban Nature Project, Natural History Museum), and a new mixed-use performing arts and teaching facility (Brighton College for The Richard Cairns Building, Brighton College) also make the shortlist.
The six shortlisted clients are:
- York Minster for Heritage Quad: York Minster Centre of Excellence and Technology Hub: York Minster Centre of Excellence by Tonkin Liu Architects - Two new contemporary buildings as part of one of Europe's most significant cathedrals, forming a campus for public engagement.
- British Land for Norton Folgate by Allford Monaghan Morris, Stanton Williams, Morris + Company, DSDHA and East - A group of formerly derelict sites retained and transformed into an office-led development on the edge of London's historic Spitalfields.
- Sadler's Wells and London Legacy Development Corporation for Sadler's Wells East by O' Donnell + Tuomey - A new dance theatre and school of choreography for Sadler’s Wells, providing a generous stage for performers with an intimate audience experience.
- Redruth Revival CIC for The Buttermarket by Architectural Thread - An old butter market in Redruth, Cornwall, transformed into a fully accessible, thriving community hub, bringing together food vendors, artists, small businesses and a diverse programme of community events.
- Brighton College for The Richard Cairns Building, Brighton College by KRFT - A carefully crafted mixed-use performance and teaching building, uniting performing arts facilities with a sixth form centre and classrooms for English and Computing.
- Natural History Museum, London for Urban Nature Project, Natural History Museum by Feilden Fowles - A reimagination of the Natural History Museum’s five‑acre garden into a living exhibition.
Neil Gillespie, Reiach and Hall Architects (Jury Chair, Awards Group Chair) said: "Six remarkable clients are shortlisted for this year’s RIBA Client of the Year Award. Clients who, through their courage and vision, have played a central role in the creation of architecture that benefits users, local communities and visitors alike.
“From a school board which has consistently invested in high-quality design, a commercial developer who restored a historic part of London, to the keepers of a world-renowned cathedral embracing contemporary architecture, a community group revitalising a town centre, a museum that has opened up nature and learning beyond its walls, and a cultural institution helping shape a major new district, each client has demonstrated real ambition in bringing long-lasting value to the communities around them."
The Client of the Year Award shortlist is selected from winners of the RIBA Regional and National Awards 2026. The winner will be announced at the 30th edition of the Stirling Prize ceremony on 15 October 2026 at Old Billingsgate, London.
This year’s jury comprised: Neil Gillespie, Reiach and Hall Architects (Jury Chair, Awards Group Chair) Nana Biamah-Ofosu, YAA Projects (RIBA Awards Group member), Martyn Craddock, United St Saviour’s Charity (Previous Year’s Winner for Appleby Blue Almshouse)
