NLA Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced

The 80 shortlisted entries across 16 categories celebrate the people, places, projects and partnerships shaping a more equitable, sustainable and resilient London.

London’s built environment has a central role to play in the capital’s future. The Draft London Plan, continued pressure to deliver more and better homes, and the need for greater climate resilience have brought renewed focus to how London plans and delivers change.

The NLA Awards 2026 shortlist brings together 80 entries across 16 categories, showcasing the breadth and quality of work shaping the capital and improving Londoners’ lives.

Spanning 26 London boroughs and the City of London, this year’s shortlist reflects the range of projects transforming communities across the capital. From neighbourhood regeneration and new homes to civic buildings, workplaces, public spaces and community-led initiatives, the entries show the contribution good design can make to London.

Housing is once again a strong category, with projects responding to the capital’s needs through new development, retrofit and estate renewal. The shortlist also highlights growing ambition across Public Spaces and Neighbourhoods & Masterplans, including investment in streets, parks and shared places that strengthen communities.

Assessors recognised many projects that extend their thinking beyond the boundaries of the site. Stronger links with surrounding neighbourhoods, investment in public realm and biodiversity, new community facilities and long-term stewardship all feature across the shortlist.

This wider approach is also reflected in the people and organisations behind the work. Across the shortlist, teams are bringing together different expertise, building relationships with communities and local authorities, and working across organisational and professional boundaries to deliver lasting change.

The entries also show increasing confidence in retrofit and adaptive reuse, alongside new approaches to education, culture, healthcare, workplaces and meanwhile uses. They demonstrate the results of different disciplines, organisations and communities working together.

Selected by 55 expert assessors and now progressing to an international jury, the shortlisted entries support the ambitions of the New London Agenda and its Six Pillars of Placemaking. Together, they show how London’s built environment is responding to the capital’s needs and helping to shape its future.

Vote for the People’s Choice Award

Voting is now open for the NLA Awards 2026 People’s Choice Award, giving Londoners and the wider built environment community the opportunity to have their say.

Explore this year’s shortlist and vote for the project you believe deserves to be recognised. The winner will be announced at the annual lunch for London’s built environment on Thursday 19 November.

Vote for your favourite project

London’s built environment comes together

The winners will be announced on Thursday 19 November at Guildhall, when more than 650 people will come together for the annual lunch for London’s built environment.

More than an awards ceremony, the lunch is a major moment for the whole sector: an opportunity to celebrate progress, exchange perspectives and strengthen the relationships needed to shape London’s future.

The occasion belongs to everyone working to improve the capital, not only those shortlisted. Whether you are bringing your team, hosting clients or meeting new collaborators, this is an opportunity to join one built environment community and be part of an important shared moment for London.

Tables are limited. Book now to ensure your organisation is in the room.

Book the NLA Annual Lunch 2026