Specialist insurer Hiscox has announced it is to sponsor the York Design Awards for the next three years , building on its interest in the city’s long-standing architectural excellence.
The York Design Awards are presented annually for new build and refurbishment projects which uphold the high standards of architecture in the city. They are open to architects, developers and property owners who have worked on York based projects, with winners receiving a plaque to display on the winning building. Categories include new build, conservation, alterations to existing buildings, work on public spaces, and private landscaping schemes. Winners are selected by an independent panel of nationally acclaimed judges and, for the first year, the panel will be chaired by acclaimed UK architect Julian Bicknell.
Last year’s York Design Award winners included a restored windmill, new civic offices, a change of use of an old chapel, new and restored homes, a product technology centre and a children’s play area. Entry submissions for the 2014 awards will open in early 2014 and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in York on 23rd June 2014.
Steve Langan, Managing Director, Hiscox UK and Europe, commented: “York has a rich architectural history and the York Design Awards help celebrate the next step on the city’s architectural journey. As a business, we are developing our own landmark building in the Hungate area of the city and that has given us a deep understanding of the area’s design heritage. I look forward to seeing some of the other architectural gems that the city has to offer
Chair of the awards management committee, Janet Hopton, added: “We rely entirely on sponsorship from businesses, organisations and individuals who love York for funding support; we receive no grant aid. We are naturally delighted that Hiscox has agreed to be lead sponsor for the next three years, securing the future of the awards programme until 2017.”
Other sponsors of the York Design Awards currently include York Civic Trust, York Guild of Building and York Conservation Trust, City of York Council and O’Neill Associates.
