This is the 28th year of the prize being awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), having been established in the memory of Stephen Lawrence, an aspiring teenage architect who was murdered in 1993
The Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026 recognises emerging talent in young architects, demonstrating excellence in social impact, sustainability and environmental stewardship, adaptive reuse, and community-focused design.
The shortlist features projects from architects in the early stages of their career, encouraging others to take up a career and develop their talents in the profession.
The six shortlisted architects and their projects are:
Justin Bean for Notting Hill and Ealing High School Junior School, by Hawkins/Brown
A new, environmentally responsible school in West London characterised by a series of warm, calm and nurturing spaces beneath pitched timber roofs.
Maija Viksne for Oru Sutton, by Samuel Chisholm Studio and Takero Shimazaki Architects
Conversion of a redundant department store into flexible, mixed-use commercial spaces in Sutton, South West London.
Damian Jakubek for Park Lane Stables RDA, by Architecture WK Ltd
Sensitively reclaimed and adapted urban stables, transformed into new Riding for the Disabled Association facilities.
Ben Stuart-Smith for The Apple House, by Okra
A multifunctional communal barn in the centre of a former neglected orchard in Hertfordshire, hosting a year-round community programme focused on horticulture and environmental stewardship.
Claire Fear 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.
Nita Kidd for Walled Garden, Auckland Castle, by MawsonKerr Architect
A revived Grade II-listed Victorian walled garden at Auckland Castle, County Durham, transformed into a thriving hub for education and community wellbeing.
“Already delivering projects of exceptional quality”
Matthew Goldschmied, jury chair and managing trustee of The Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: “Once again, the shortlist presented the jury with a diverse array of outstanding projects by early-career architects. Through excellence in community connection, regeneration of public spaces, education environments and ecological sensitivity, these projects collectively reassure us of the undoubted talent emerging into the profession.
“Those shortlisted have become part of the living memorial to Stephen Lawrence, and we are looking forward to visiting all projects and meeting the project architects and clients behind them.”
Chris Williamson, RIBA president, said: “This year’s shortlist is a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity and innovation emerging within our profession. From the sensitive restoration of historic buildings to the creation of new structures that support education, wellbeing and community, these projects demonstrate the enormous impact architecture can have when people and purpose are placed at its core.
“Not only are these emerging architects shaping the future of our built environment, but they are already delivering projects of exceptional quality and social value.”
The winner of the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026 will be announced on 15 October at the RIBA Stirling Prize awards, Old Billingsgate, London.
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