The Architect Studio wins AABC Conservation Award 2025 🏆with Becket's Chapel!

At the beginning of April, under the wings of a Concorde at the Civic Trust Awards in Manchester, Becket's Chapel was announced as the WINNER of the Civic Trust Award 2025 AABC Conservation Category — and I am absolutely over the moon!

All smiles after receiving the plaque and certificate

The AABC Conservation Award is a prestigious recognition given to:

“Projects that demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation and make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment.”

Only four projects were recognised this year, and I’m beyond proud that this modest 13th-century chapel in Wymondham, Norfolk, was celebrated alongside such extraordinary landmarks as the Elizabeth Tower and Westminster Hall.

A project rooted in care, vision, and community

Becket’s Chapel has been such a joy (and a challenge!) — not just in terms of design and conservation but also in reimagining a sustainable, community-focused future for a historic building that’s been at the heart of Wymondham for centuries.

This award means a great deal, not only for The Architect Studio but also for the wider project team and client. It reinforces the value of conservation that is forward-thinking, sensitive to context, and ambitious in its purpose.

Recognition from the judges

The Civic Trust judges commented:

"In preserving Becket's Chapel, this initiative showcases how conservation can harmonise tradition and modernity, ensuring that historic buildings continue to enrich the community for generations to come."

I couldn’t have put it better myself!

A huge thank you

This project would not have been possible without the brilliant client — Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust — and the many skilled and committed people involved throughout the journey.

Thank you to: Andrew Morton, James Cleaver, Simon Prior, Sam Paterson, Tom Lefever, Chris Dicks, Tobit Curteis, Simon Carlyle, Chris Hamill, Sarah Morrison, Trudi Hughes, The Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England, South Norfolk District Council, and everyone who believed in what we were doing.

What’s next?

This award is a milestone — but also, I hope, a catalyst. The recognition brings visibility at a critical time for the client, as the Trust continues working to secure funding for the next stage of the project: a carefully designed extension that will give Becket’s Chapel the space it needs to truly serve its growing community.

For The Architect Studio, this recognition is a huge boost — not because we chase awards (though we certainly appreciate them!), but because it reinforces what drives us: helping our clients get the very best out of their historic buildings. This win reminds us that thoughtful, purposeful conservation matters — and it encourages us to keep pushing ourselves to do the work even better.