What makes a winning workplace design? According to the judging panel of the brand-new Workspace Design Awards, it’s not just about glossy finishes and clever layouts; it’s about people, culture, and stories that bring workplaces to life.
Launching at Workspace Design Show (Business Design Centre, London) on 25 February 2026, the Workspace Design Awards will celebrate the very best in completed workplace projects and innovative concepts. From Office Design of the Year to Sustainable Workplace and Best Retrofit, the awards spotlight real-world impact and spatial excellence, judged exclusively by senior occupiers, developers, and project managers.
What the judges are looking for:
- “A clear purpose and compelling narrative, with originality and killer imagery.” – Paula Rowntree, Head of Workplace Design, Future Workplace, Lloyds Banking Group
- “Creativity that brings culture to life, reflecting the personality of the organisation and its people.” – Sue Glew, Programme Director, BT
- “Stories that sweep us from vision to ribbon-cutting – with honesty, humour, and human impact.” – James Saunders FCIOB, Global Projects Director, Arcadis
- “Spaces that energise, motivate and make people feel seen and inspired.” – Kornélia Kiss, Global Workplace Transformation Lead, Sanofi
- “Honesty, creativity, and a touch of bravery — if it makes us smile, nod, or even debate, it’s a winner.” – Lewis Barker, Director, Workplace Services EMEA, ServiceNow
- “Aesthetics matter, but function, inclusivity, wellbeing and biophilic balance are what make a workplace truly work.” – Steve Wright, Director of Workplace Design & Change Management, GSK
- “Spaces that are human-centred, not ego-centred — balancing function with flair and sparking joy every day.” – Diego Henriques, Global Director Workplace, Facilities & Real Estate, Reckitt
- “Workplaces should be inviting, flexible and sustainable — the kind of places people want to commute to.” – James Stratford, Head of Workplace, AXA XL
- “Design that truly works for people – supporting wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, with genuine sustainability impact.” – Sarah Audsley, Independent Workplace Professional
- “The best designs treat people as the real building material — culture, behaviour, and belonging matter more than shiny gimmicks.” – Jennifer Bryan, Founder, ABChange Consultancy
Key Dates
- Entries open: 1 September 2025
- Entry deadline: 17 October 2025
- Shortlist announced: 6 January 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 25 February 2026, Business Design Centre, London
Entry is free and open to architects, interior designers, design consultancies, fit-out companies, occupiers, developers and workplace strategists for projects completed between 1 January 2023 – 30 October 2025.
For guidelines and submission details, visit https://workspaceshow.co.uk/awards