All the shortlisted firms were entered for this award sponsored by the DETR's Construction Best Practice Programme
Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects
All 65 firms shortlisted for the 2001 Building Awards are considered for the Best practice award, which is sponsored by the Construction Best Practice Programme. Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects was chosen for its commitment to partnering and sustainability.

"It has such a strong name for sustainability," the judges said. "It doesn't just incorporate it into its buildings – it has brought sustainable practices into the office too." The Bath-based firm has a fleet of bicycles for staff to use and is replacing its company car fleet with more environment-friendly liquid propane gas vehicles. Last year, it commissioned an environmental and energy audit of the company and is committed to acting on the recommendations that emerge from this.

The firm was also praised for embracing partnering, benchmarking and all the other Egan principles. "It doesn't just talk partnering," said CBPP director Zara Lamont. "It was clear that the ethos runs through the whole practice."

  • Other firms singled out for praise:

    Haworth Tompkins Architects
    'It deserves a special mention as it's a young practice and is starting off on the right principles. It understands teamwork and client feedback'

    Try Construction
    'It has shown that it believes partnering is the way forward. I liked what it was doing to build up strong relationships with customers and suppliers'

    Wates Construction
    'It has committed a lot of resources to changing its internal culture. It does not see it as a quick-fix but realises that it affects the bottom line'

    Willmott Dixon Housing
    'Leading the way with regards to performance assessment and approach to the environment. It's setting targets and achieving them'

    Building Awards 2001