York Theatre Royal, winner of two York Design Awards in 2017, will host the launch of this year’s competition, at an event attended by more than 150 professionals from the property, architecture, building and development sectors.
The launch event on Wednesday 7th February, which is free of charge, will also be open to the public.
The York Design Awards celebrate and promote good design across the city. Architect Bob Allies OBE, from London-based architectural practice Allies and Morrison, will deliver the keynote speech “The Fabric of Place”. Mr Allies has been involved in high profile projects including the Olympic Games and Legacy Masterplan, Kings Cross Central Masterplan, the award-winning Sheffield Heart of the City Masterplan and the restoration of the Royal Festival Hall.
Mr Allies said: “The recognition given by the York Design Awards to the very best of the city’s architecture and design, in both new build and conservation projects, helps to raise standards, reward innovation and celebrate success. Encouraging good architecture and sensitive building restoration is incredibly worthwhile and plays a big part in improving the quality of life for those living in cities. I’m really looking forward to seeing the York Theatre Royal after its £6 million redevelopment.”
York Theatre Royal won two York Design Awards in 2017 in the non-residential (large) category and The Press People’s Award, the only award voted for by the public and readers of the York Press.
Janet Hopton MBE, Chair of the York Design Awards, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Bob Allies as our keynote speaker, who I’m sure will inspire the city’s property professionals to continue to enhance the city’s architecture and sense of place. It’s very fitting to host the launch event at York Theatre Royal, which plays such an important role in the city’s cultural and tourism economies – and we’d love to encourage local residents to take up our invitation to attend the launch event and learn more about how the York Design Awards encourages designers to create buildings and spaces that inspire and delight.”
The awards programme operates with the generous support of a number of sponsors who have a strong association with the city. Hiscox are once again the main sponsor, with additional high-profile sponsors Arup, O’Neill Associates, City of York Council, Shepherd Group, York Science Park, The Partners Group, United By Design, Virgin Trains, Ravage Productions, The Grand Hotel, George F White, York Civic Trust, Crombie Wilkinson, Fulprint, Bedern Hall, York Conservation Trust and York Guild of Building.
Application forms and details of how to enter the prestigious awards, which are open to builders, architects, developers and building owners, are available at www.yorkdesignawards.org.
Winners will be announced and presented with their awards at the presentation evening which takes place on Monday 25 June at the University of York’s Ron Cooke Hub.
Book your place for the launch event here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/york-design-awards-launch-evening-tickets-39726363623?aff=mcivte or email inspire@yorkdesignawards.org
