COMMENT | Good design, not just for architects

The Manchester Society of Architects Awards are the original property awards, and this year we wanted to reflect the whole industry, by acknowledging the wider teams and clients who are essential to creating brilliant architecture and places.

Nick Moss, president of the Manchester Society of Architects, talks about this year’s biggest property event.

As the largest architectural society of its kind in the world, Manchester Society of Architects is committed to striving for true quality and diversity of work.

With this in mind, I had only one person on my list to be this year’s independent judge for the 2019 annual awards – arguably the world’s greatest living architect and Manchester’s own son – Lord Norman Foster. I’m incredibly excited by his involvement and cannot wait to see which projects he chooses as winners.

Our society’s long history, dating back to 1865, has cemented the MSA Awards as a one of the most respected architectural events in the UK. But great design is a team effort, which is why next week will also put a spotlight on the role of clients, contractors, project managers and more, in what is set to be our biggest event yet. We’ve had more than 100 entries, all of which will be exhibited as part of the ceremony.

Schemes range from the planned to the completed, and include Adair Street Hotel by Stephenson Studio for Capital & Centric, One Blackfriars in London by SimpsonHaugh for Berkeley Group, SODA by Feilden Clegg Bradley for Manchester Metropolitan University, Boxpark Wembley by BDP for Boxpark, Whitefield Metrolink by Atkins for Transport for Greater Manchester, Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire by Buttress for the National Trust, and Brown Street in Altrincham by Project3 for Novo.

Over 1,000 guests will be celebrating the very best this city has to offer at the Albert Hall from 6pm on Thursday 13 June. Tickets are only £5, a price which makes the event accessible to professionals from all levels, and includes food and drink.

Manchester is witnessing an unprecedented explosion in development, cementing its place as the UK’s second city and the heart of the North. So if you’re in the property business and want to be part of this construction renaissance, book your ticket below for what will be the best celebration of past and future work this year!

Book your ticket to the MSA Awards here

Nick Moss is co-founder of Sixtwo Architects – currently working with Manchester City Council to deliver new affordable homes in Newton Heath, as well as the regeneration of the iconic Toastrack for Generation