Emerging architects shortlisted for new-look Stephen Lawrence Prize

In December it was announced that the prize, set up in memory of aspiring architect Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993, would focus solely on schemes completed by an ‘early career’ project architect. This was defined as ‘typically someone who has qualified within five years prior to the project’s completion date’.

Previously, the annual prize, now in its 25th year, was awarded to the nation’s best small-scale projects with a construction budget of less than £1 million.

The 2023 finalists include James Alder, 35, founder of James Alder Architects for an ‘exquisite’ extension to a north London home; AJ 40 under 40 star Astrid Smitham, 39, of Apparata for the practice’s flexible live/work space for artists in Barking; and Lianne Clark, 32, who worked on Hollaway Studio’s multistorey skatepark in Folkestone.

As part of the eligibility changes this year, an architecture student will join the jury on behalf of prize backer the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. The student will go on to be mentored by the winning project architect.

As in previous years, the shortlist was selected from winners of the UK RIBA Regional Awards with the project architects – including their year of qualification – identified when the schemes were entered.

The six shortlisted projects are:

• A House for Artists by Astrid Smitham (39) of Apparata Architects
  A flexible live/work space for 12 artists arranged across five floors. In exchange for reduced rent, the residents deliver free creative programmes for the neighbourhood through a street-facing, glass-walled community hall and outdoor exhibition space on the ground floor.
• Curzon Camden by Joshua King (34) of Takero Shimazaki Architects
  A cinema tucked under the arches of a railway viaduct in London’s Camden. A playful yet sober and sophisticated response to this highly unusual context.
• F51 Sports Park by Lianne Clark (32) of Hollaway Studio
  A multistorey skatepark in Kent, providing a space for nurturing young people through sport.
• Lighthouse Children's Home by Conrad Koslowsky (41) of Conrad Koslowsky Architects
  Built in the Arts and Crafts style and latterly derelict, the former south-west London care home now has six generous children’s bedrooms.
• Manber Jeffries House by James Alder (35) of James Alder Architects
  An exquisitely conceived extension to a garden flat within a Victorian semi-detached villa in Willesden Green, London.
• Museum of the Home by Ronan Morris (34) Wright & Wright Architects
  A renovation of a Grade I-listed almshouse building set within a historic public garden, creating an unexpected green oasis in London’s Hackney.

Matthew Goldschmied, jury chair and managing trustee at the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: ‘From projects that make creative use of existing structures and everyday materials, to public spaces that bring communities together, this year’s shortlist celebrates an inspiring range of forward-thinking projects and six brilliantly talented early-career architects.

'These are buildings that all address accessibility and social equity in some way, reminding us that excellent design can enrich people’s everyday lives.'

As well as Goldschmied, the 2023 Stephen Lawrence Prize jury includes Doreen Lawrence, Percy Weston of Surman Weston, which won last year’s Stephen Lawrence Prize, and Adefunmilayo Adebiyi, student juror on behalf of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation.

The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday 19 October 2023 at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.