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RIBA Client of the Year 2023

East Quay

RIBA Client of the Year 2023

The RIBA Client of the Year award honours the key role that a good client plays in the creation of fine architecture

Onion Collective named RIBA Client of the Year 2023

The Royal Institute of British Architects has named Onion Collective as Client of the Year 2023 for its East Quay project in Somerset. Presented since 1998, the annual RIBA Client of the Year award honours the key role clients play in the creation of great architecture.

East Quay, designed by Invisible Studio and Ellis Williams Architects, is the vision of Onion Collective, a social enterprise. With artist studios and gallery space, the new community-funded project has enlivened a previously derelict boatyard in Watchet, North Somerset. 

Praised as an uplifting model for community-led regeneration, the judges noted that the completion of the project was largely due to the combined efforts of Onion Collective and the community; including schools, social clubs and businesses. The success of the development has now encouraged wider regeneration of the surrounding town. 

Chair of this year’s jury, Denise Bennetts, said: “Great clients are vital to creating buildings and places that make a difference to peoples’ lives. Congratulations to Onion Collective for their success and passion for enterprise and creativity. Their vision, and dedication to creating meaningful change, enabled Invisible Studio and Ellis Williams to deliver a model for exceptional community-led economic regeneration. East Quay is a fantastic example of how great architecture, collaboration and co-creation can empower communities and deliver incredible, transformative benefits.” 

The RIBA Client of the Year 2023 jury comprised: Denise Bennetts (Chair), Founder of Bennetts Associates, Mitchell Brand, Director (Land & Marketing) at Thornsett Group and Ben Wildsmith, Senior Territory Manager at Ibstock Brick Ltd.  

RIBA Client of the Year is sponsored by Ibstock.

 

Sponsored by

RIBA Client of the Year 2023 jury

The judges for the RIBA Client of the Year 2023 are:

  • Denise Bennetts, Founder of Bennetts Associates and Chair of RIBA Awards Group
  • Mitchell Brand, Director (Land & Marketing) at Thornsett Group
  • Ben Wildsmith, Area Sales Manager at lbstock 

2013 - National Trust

2012 - The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA)

2011 - The Royal Shakespeare Company

2010 - Hammerson

2009 - Kielder Partnership, Camden & Islington Community Solutions, Parabola Land, 
Grosvenor, Maggie's and The Reverend Nicholas Holtam

2008 - Coin Street Community Builders

2007 - Derwent London

2006 - Royal Botanic Gardens

2005 - Gateshead Council

2004 - Peabody Trust

2003 - City of Manchester

2002 - Urban Splash

2001 - Molendinar Park Housing Association, Glasgow

2000 - Foreign & Commonwealth Office

1999 - Marylebone Cricket Club

1998 - Roland Paoletti

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