Winner: HLM Architects

HLM launched its Thoughtful Design Toolkit this year, a digital suite designed to ensure that the vision of a given project is delivered from briefing to completion. A range of the toolkit’s assets use data to advance HLM’s understanding of what people want and need from the built environment so that designers know their proposals will deliver what building users require. The tools also help clients make better-informed decisions about targeting their investment. On the staffing front, the practice has an agile-working approach including nine-day fortnights, while its recently launched apprenticeship programme sees its first apprentice graduating this year. Schemes completed during the year include Ysgol Pen Rhos, a £10m new-build school in Llanelli, south Wales, which used timber frame construction and was a winner at the RICS Social Impact Awards.

…