Davis Langdon & Everest has had another splendid year, so it retains this Hays Montrose-sponsored award
Winner
Davis Langdon & Everest
Davis Langdon & Everest had a fine 2000. The practice boosted operating profit 51% to £10m despite investing in a series of initiatives to expand its global coverage and offer clients a more comprehensive and efficient range of products. The year began with the opening of an office in Warsaw and the roll-out of the firm's SUMMIT intranet. The SUMMIT system brings together best practice documentation, cost information, technical databases and research materials, allowing its UK offices to offer a consistent standard of service. The range of those services was expanded to include expert advice in specification writing, M&E cost management and property taxation. The fruits of this investment were apparent in two landmark projects: the Tate Modern in London and Wessex Water's £22m headquarters just outside Bath – famously described by BRE as "the most energy-efficient building ever", and an object lesson in the planning and control of a construction project.

Second
Franklin + Andrews
This firm has based its business strategy on continuously monitoring and managing its relationship with its clients, through workshops and questionnaires. This is complemented by long-term framework agreements with some of the UK's biggest clients, from BAA and Shell to Southwark council. The relationship with Southwark resulted in Peckham Library, where an extremely tight budget was married to a startlingly innovative design.

Third
Turner & Townsend
A dedicated supply-management team, a new value-improvement database, a specialist risk-management unit and an innovative cost-planning and reporting system paid off in a 33% rise in operating profit last year. Turner & Townsend's expertise was tested to the full on the Tate Britain refurbishment. This was a complex project that was hit by disastrous flooding, but which T&T succeeded in delivering on time and to budget.

Fourth
AYH
Staff at AYH must be pleased with last year's drive to widen share ownership and the new profit share scheme: the practice's operating profit has risen 111% in the past three years, and 33% last year. All clients are treated to director-level management and a comprehensive quality assurance plan. This has paid off in an exceptional level of repeat commission, and partnerships with clients such as Asda, Whitbread and Grosvenor Estate.

Building Awards 2001