Six UK projects are in the running for the award, with the winner to be revealed at this year’s Stirling Prize ceremony
The RIBA has revealed the shortlist for the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2025, spotlighting six UK projects led by early career project architects, typically defined as those who qualified within five years of their project’s completion.
Now in its 27th year, the annual prize was established by Baroness Doreen Lawrence and the Marco Goldschmied Foundation to honour the memory of Stephen Lawrence, the aspiring architect who was murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993.
Among the shortlisted projects is the University of Staffordshire Woodlands Nursery by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, led by project architect Jack Baker. The timber-clad nursery was built on a former car park and is designed to be carbon-neutral. Also included on the shortlist is the refurbishment of The Jackson Library at Exeter College, Oxford, by Nex, with Joe Dent as project architect.
Jury chair Matthew Goldschmied, managing trustee of the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: “Many stories are told through these buildings; narratives of delight, integrity and generosity to people, place and planet.”
The 2025 jury also included Baroness Lawrence, Clementine Blakemore (winner of the 2024 prize), and architecture student Dianne Orliaku of the University of Greenwich. The shortlist was selected from winners of the 2025 RIBA Regional Awards, with project architects and their year of qualification identified at the point of entry.
The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on 16 October 2025.
The six shortlisted projects are:
Knepp Wilding Kitchen and shop by Kaner Olette Architects (project architect: Toko Andrews)
A rewilding visitor centre within a former farmyard, featuring a café, farm shop and educational facilities showcasing local sustainable produce.
Hallelujah Project by Peregrine Bryant Architects (project architect: Helena Tunbridge)
A museum scheme in the Grade I-listed former homes of composer George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix, with new galleries celebrating the musicians’ legacies.
Pine Heath by Studio Hagen Hall (project architect: Louis Hagen Hall)
An energy upgrade and retrofit of a modernist townhouse, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while retaining existing fabric.
St Mary’s Walthamstow by Matthew Lloyd Architects (project architect: Alex Spicer)
A reimagining of a Grade II* listed church to improve community use, natural light and accessibility.
University of Staffordshire Woodlands Nursery by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (project architect: Jack Baker)
A timber-clad, carbon-neutral nursery designed to support young children’s development in a natural, low-energy setting.
The Jackson Library, Exeter College, Oxford by Nex (project architect: Joe Dent)
A refurbishment of a deteriorating college library, intended to deliver a more welcoming and resilient study space.
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