NLA Awards 2025
Overview
Supported by the Mayor of London, the NLA Awards 2025 celebrate the people, places, and projects shaping a better future for the capital. Aligned with the New London Agenda, the awards seek submissions that contribute to a city built on Equity, Sustainability, and Prosperity.
Judged by a prestigious international panel of experts in architecture, planning, and design, winners will be announced at a high-profile awards lunch hosted in the Great Hall of the Guildhall in London.
This year introduces new categories recognising individuals and teams who reflect the core values of the New London Agenda, such as “Team of the Year,” “Borough of the Year,” and “Partnership of the Year,” spotlighting those who take responsibility, provide clarity, and build trust in shaping London’s built environment.
Why You Should Participate
The NLA Awards 2025 offer a unique opportunity to elevate your work and contribute to shaping the future of London. Participants benefit from:
- Prestigious international recognition by an expert jury
- Widespread exposure via NLA’s website, newsletters, and social media
- Opportunity to showcase your work among London’s leading built environment projects
- Promotional assets and trophies to mark your achievement across digital and print platforms
Key Highlights
Project Categories
- Culture
- Conservation & Heritage
- Education
- Healthcare
- Housing
- Industrial & Logistics
- Meanwhile
- Mixed Use
- Retail & Hospitality
- Retrofit
- Transport & Infrastructure
- Workplaces
Place Categories
- Masterplans & Place Strategies
- Meanwhile Activation
- Neighbourhoods & Areas
- Public Spaces
People Categories
- Team of the Year
- Borough of the Year
- Partnership of the Year
- Hidden Hero
Built and Unbuilt Recognition
Both built and unbuilt projects are separately recognised in the Project and Place categories.
Entry Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-NLA members | £325 + VAT (Total: £390.00 per category) |
If entering more than one category, applicants must pay a separate fee for each.
Prizes and Recognition
| Award | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Category Winners | Prestigious awards lunch at Guildhall and media exposure |
| Mayor’s Prize | For outstanding placemaking at density, promoting quality, sustainability, and liveability |
| Londoner of the Year | Honouring an individual with lasting impact on London’s built environment |
| People’s Choice Award | Public-voted favourite project from the shortlist |
| All shortlisted entries | Featured on NLA’s website and channels, with trophy and digital branding assets for winners |
Submission Details
- Submit your entry online via the official NLA platform
- Include:
- A project description
- Visuals such as photos, drawings, and plans
- Project details including location, year, designers, and current status
- Clearly specify the category you’re entering
- Projects can be either built or unbuilt
Important Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 23 May 2025 – 12:00 PM | Submission deadline |
How to Join
Follow these steps to enter the NLA Awards 2025:
- Choose the most suitable category or categories for your project
- Prepare all required materials according to the submission guidelines
- Visit the official NLA Awards page and complete the entry form
- Pay the applicable entry fee(s)
- Submit your application before 12:00 PM on 23 May 2025 via: (registration link)
Judging Criteria – Project and Place Categories
Aligned with the New London Agenda, judging will be based on the Six Pillars of Placemaking, guiding London’s best practices:
- Focus on Health: Prioritise human and planetary wellbeing, delivering sustainable, healthy environments
- Plan for Future Generations: Create long-term value and adaptability for London’s evolving needs
- Think Beyond Boundaries: Break silos between sectors and design across systems and geographies
- Value Diversity: Celebrate and accommodate London’s rich cultural and economic diversity
- Leverage Innovation: Use technology and forward-thinking methods to create dynamic and resilient places
- Work in Partnership: Foster collaboration across stakeholders to deliver shared city-making visions
Judging Criteria – People Categories
Assessed through key values drawn from the pillars of placemaking, with focus on:
- Take Responsibility – Show accountability for the built environment
- Provide Clarity – Demonstrate transparent communication and clear goals
- Build Trust – Establish credibility through collaboration and dependable delivery
