The North East celebrated outstanding success at the Constructing Excellence National Awards 2025, winning five awards.
Space Architects scooped three awards. The company was part of the delivery team for the Remaking Beamish project, which won the Regeneration and Conservation category and also the ESG Award.
Catherine Sinclair, head of research at Space Architects was named Generation for Change (G4C) Future Leader. Catherine was recognised for her outstanding work promoting sustainable design, mentoring young professionals and championing carbon-conscious architecture.
Catherine, said: “Winning nationally is humbling and motivates me to continue championing sustainable design and mentoring the next generation of architects. It is a proud moment for me personally and for everyone in the North East working to make a positive impact on our built environment.”
Seymour Civil Engineering won the People and Culture Award, for its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and staff development. The team was praised for initiatives, such as Women in Leadership and targeted STEM outreach, which have fostered a workplace where employees feel valued and supported. Structured training plans, apprenticeship mentoring and clear career pathways, contributed to an 85% staff retention rate in 2024 and a highly skilled workforce.
The Hexham General Hospital Refurbishment project Phase 2 – Integrated Health Projects, led by Sir Robert McAlpine and Vinci, alongside Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, Identity Consult, P+HS Architects, Stantec, CAD21, Dalkia UK Ltd and Summers-Inman, won the Integration and Collaborative Working Award. The project team was recognised for exceptional collaboration across the supply chain, early stakeholder engagement and innovative approaches that delivered a safe and future-proofed healthcare facility. The focus on teamwork and advanced planning ensured project timelines, were met without compromising patient safety or quality.
Another standout success was the Remaking Beamish project, which won the Regeneration and Conservation Award. The project team included, Space Architects, Beamish Museum, Thornton Firkin, Brims Construction, BGP, Kyoob and Todd Milburn, helping deliver historically accurate museum exhibits representing the Georgian, Edwardian and 1950s eras. The work involved adaptive reuse of heritage structures, sensitive integration with listed assets, construction of new elements and the use of reclaimed materials and traditional techniques.
Phil Lloyd, Associate Director at Space Architects, said: “Being part of Remaking Beamish has been an incredibly meaningful experience. Seeing visitors connect with the museum reminds us why thoughtful conservation is so important.”
Other North East companies and individuals who won at the regional Constructing Excellence North East Awards 2025 and were nominated nationally included:
• MGL Group – Innovation and Climate Action
• Aptus Construction – SME of the Year
• True North Construction for 15 Bath Terrace – Residential Project of the Year
• be:ONE Partnership, led by believe housing and RE:GEN Group – Delivering Value
• The Stephenson Building Redevelopment project – Building Project of the Year
• Newcastle University – Client of the Year
• Riverside MSCP – Infrastructure Project of the Year
• Beamish Football Centre – Retrofit
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence North East, said: “Congratulations to all the North East companies recognised at this year’s national awards and a huge well done to Catherine Sinclair for being named G4C Future Leader. Catherine’s dedication to sustainable design, mentoring young professionals and sharing knowledge across the industry, is truly inspiring. These awards showcase the incredible talent and innovation that exists across the region and it is fantastic to see North East firms being celebrated on the national stage.”