The 2023 York Design Awards ceremony took place on 3rd July 2023 and you can see all the winners here.

The Awards are free to enter due to the support of our kind sponsors.  The awards celebrate properties in a wide range of categories including single and multiple dwelling residential developments, community and commercial buildings, and open space/public realm/landscape.

The 2024 awards programme will launch in February 2024.

If you would like to keep up to date about the York Design Awards, please sign up to our e-newsletter

View All Previous Winners

2023 Winners

The aim of the York Design Awards is to encourage and promote excellence in design and conservation, striving for the highest standards which will delight present and future generations.

The Homestead, Bishopthorpe

Residential (Single Dwelling)

Client/Developer: Jo Bennett (owner)
Architect/Designer: Arkle Boyce Architects
Builder: CG Building and Restoration

This project achieves a highly flexible living/working environment and delightful home. The interplay of light and space changes as one moves through the building reinforcing the cosy character of the old and the more open atmosphere of the new. Materials and details are handled lightly with empathy to character and context.

Ferry Cottage, Bishopthorpe

Residential (Single Dwelling)

Client/Developer: Tony Loftus
Architect/Designer: Shaw and Jagger Architects
Builder: York Builder

A sustainably designed house, with a compact plan form and highly insulated fabric. It has a clarity of form and detail which modulates dramatic changes of scale. The striking design is expressed particularly in response to setting and views, and lends the house a glamorous filmic quality.

Skelton Hall

Residential (Single Dwelling), John Shannon Conservation Award

Client/Developer: Tom Sermon
Architect/Designer: Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard
Builder: Paul Thompson

Residential (Single Dwelling)

Here we recognise a comprehensive project of discovery and renewal which demonstrates the importance of good design and its respect for context. The beauty of the place has been drawn out from the many previously damaging layers of alteration and neglect. New additions demonstrate sensitivity to the historic character of the original house.

John Shannon Conservation Award

This property exemplifies excellence in conservation practice. All aspects of work have been carried out with skill and meticulous attention to detail. Each stage of work has been informed by a deep understanding of the building and its changes over time. What is known to be of value has been drawn out in the process, and the results show how a historic home can be patiently and lovingly brought back to life to serve this and future generations. 

Anne Lister & David Kato Student Accommodation, UoY

Residential (Multiple Dwellings), Public Realm/Open Space

Client/Developer: University of York
Architect/Designer: Sheppard Robson
Builder: GRAHAM Group

Residential (Multiple Dwellings)

This project stood out amongst a strong category. It creates a sophisticated and caring residential environment based on the best traditions of design innovation within higher education. The judges were especially impressed by the skilful interpretation of the simple monolithic massing forms to create a vibrant and welcoming example of good design.

Public Realm/Open Space

This award recognises a project that the judges felt incorporated an exemplary standard of landscape design, which will promote biodiversity, create new habitats and mature into highly attractive external spaces.

Digital Skills Academy, Askham Bryan College

Commercial or Community (Small), Sustainability Award

Client/Developer: Askham Bryan College
Architect/Designer: Evans McDowall Architects
Builder: Ashcourt Group

Commercial or Community (Small)

This project has a sensitive modern design that successfully reinterprets the surrounding architecture and traditional buildings of this type. The well-detailed natural materials, large areas of glazing and high sloping ceilings create architecture that is uplifting and the judges congratulate all involved in achieving such a result within a tight budget.

Sustainability Award

While many projects cited sustainable development as a driving force in their design, one stood out for its well-balanced integration of energy efficiency, ecological design and environmental care – all achieved on a tight budget. The building is a delight for staff and students and sets an admirable example to others in the further education sector.

7 Tower Street

Commercial or Community (Small), The Press People’s Choice Award

Client/Developer: Integra Property Management
Architect/Designer: Fining Associates
Builder: York Builder

Commercial or Community (Small)

An historic building restoration project that has a distinctly modern extension. The two-storey addition at the back of the property has transformed the building’s accommodation and is a unique, high quality addition to its historic setting.  The judges thought it was a real stunner!

The Press People’s Choice Award

This property overlooks Clifford’s Tower and forms part of a Victorian-era residential townhouse dating back to the mid-late 19th century. It had been converted into offices but the Grade II listed townhouse has now been restored into a more contemporary home which will be commercially rented.

Wilberforce House

Commercial or Community (Large)

Client/Developer: Wilberforce Trust
Architect/Designer: KS Architects
Builder: William Birch & Sons Ltd

This is a building of impressive quality in terms of its design and workmanship. The judges felt that its courtyard plan arrangement and its setting in the wider landscape were instrumental in creating a safe and uplifting environment for its occupants.

York Scarborough Bridge

Public Realm/Open Space, Lord Mayor’s Award

Client/Developer: Network Rail
Architect/Designer: Network Rail Design Delivery
Builder: Amco-Giffen

Public Realm/Open Space

This project demonstrates the successful integration of engineering, architecture and landscape design to produce a structure that is both aesthetically pleasing and of great public benefit.

Lord Mayor’s Award

The judges were unanimous in their decision to give this year’s Lord Mayor’s Award to a very challenging project that meets and exceeds all the main judging criteria of design quality, context, materials and workmanship, and the ability to delight – a project that has benefitted and proved transformational for many of the citizens of York. 

The Georgian Townhouse, Walmgate

John Shannon Conservation Award

Client/Developer: Beth Davies
Architect/Designer: Walker Graham Architects
Builder: Ebor Construction Ltd

The judges would like to congratulate the whole team behind the project for their commitment and sensitive approach to this city centre restoration. This building now makes a positive contribution to the street scene and the Conservation Area, whilst inside a modern home of distinction has been created that continues to respect its historic integrity.

Foss Bridge House

Young People’s Award

Client/Developer: Owners
Architect/Designer: ONE17 Design & Will Slack Architecture + Design
Builder: Various Trades, Self-managed

This is a striking contemporary dwelling that embraces its rural setting and adds to an eclectic street of houses. Its well-proportioned architectural form, sculptural roof and elegant palette of materials is uplifting and pleasing on the eye. The large barn-like gable to the rear with its exposed galvanised steelwork helps the house blend comfortably into its rural landscape.

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