Winners 2026
Boutique Hotel:
New Project
Baines’ Lodge by Luxury Frontiers is recognised for a design that minimises environmental impact through lightweight, low-footprint structures that can be dismantled and removed in the future. The off-grid lodge integrates solar power, wastewater treatment, passive cooling in public areas and low-impact construction, such as a concrete-free swimming pool, while prioritising locally made elements, reused site materials and responsibly sourced timber to support both environmental and social sustainability.
Boutique Hotel: Renovation
Wilderness Chitabe Camp, redesigned by Mark Thomas Architects and Lauren Hammond, is recognised for a carefully tested and refined design approach that prioritises durability, efficiency and minimal environmental disturbance. The off-grid camp combines insulated steel structures, evaporative cooling and solar power with locally sourced materials and contractors, while recycling or donating 80% of removed materials and embedding strong social and conservation initiatives that support local communities and long-term sustainability.
Design Studio
of the Year
Luxury Frontiers is recognised for placing sustainability at the centre of its design philosophy and project selection. The studio prioritises low-impact architecture, alternative materials and a self-developed sustainability framework, often taking on a guardianship role during procurement to ensure environmental and social principles are upheld—reflecting a design ethos focused on being light on the Earth and responsible to the people connected to each place.
F&B:
Project
Ara by Nina+Co is recognised for a design approach rooted in longevity, circularity and material integrity. The project thoughtfully combines reclaimed and repurposed materials including salvaged elm, reclaimed metal grid flooring and modular recycled-plastic bar panels, with locally crafted, reconfigurable furniture designed for durability, refurbishment and long-term reuse.
Innovation
of the Year
BB Designs wins Innovation of the Year for developing TruCO2, a digital product passport funded by Innovate UK that tracks and records CO₂ emissions across a product’s full lifecycle, from materials and manufacturing to transport and circularity. Each product features a laser-etched QR code linking to detailed carbon data, repair information and documentation, with the system designed to scale across other manufacturers to expand transparency and environmental impact across the furniture industry.
Interior Designer
of the Year
Clint Nagata, founder of BLINK Design Group, is recognised for an approach to interior design that combines luxury with deeply considered, site-specific sustainability. His collaborative process prioritises passive design strategies such as cross-ventilation and climate protection, while championing authentic, locally sourced materials that reflect cultural heritage and are verified through close relationships and knowledge of local craft and supply.
Large Hotel:
New Project
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, developed by IHG Hotels & Resorts, is recognised for a design that tackles both operational and embodied carbon through a rigorous whole-life approach. Using Passive House principles, enhanced building fabric, lower-carbon GGBS concrete and extensive integrated solar panels, the project reduces structural embodied carbon by around 50% and generates more than half of the hotel’s energy needs, positioning the building as a prototype for low-carbon hotel design.
Large Hotel:
Renovation
Montcalm Mayfair is recognised for a renovation that places social and environmental sustainability at the heart of its design and operation. Led by Montcalm Collection, the project combines responsibly sourced, locally crafted materials with energy-saving building systems, filtered water infrastructure and renewable energy, while extensive social initiatives, including donating all existing furniture to charity, partnerships with social enterprises and dedicated sustainability leadership, demonstrate a holistic commitment to people, place and long-term impact.
PROJECT
of the Year
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park stands out for addressing sustainability holistically, tackling both operational and embodied carbon through a rigorous whole-life design approach rather than focusing on energy use alone. As a prototype developed with IHG Hotels & Resorts, it offers a scalable model that can influence future hotel developments, giving the project impact well beyond a single building.
Outstanding Contribution
to the Industry
Glenn Mandziuk is awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award for his longstanding leadership in embedding sustainability across hotel operations and design. Glenn has consistently championed strategies that go beyond short-term efficiency, integrating circularity, energy reduction, and responsible sourcing into both new builds and renovations, setting a benchmark for the industry.