Meet the NLA Awards 2026 Independent Jury

Thursday 01 October 2026

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Meet the NLA Awards 2026 Independent Jury

The NLA Awards 2026 Independent Jury brings together five leading figures with expertise spanning architecture, urban innovation, development, culture and global communications.

Supported by the Mayor of London, the NLA Awards celebrate the people, places and projects shaping a better capital. Bringing together architecture, planning, development, engineering, construction, government and communities, the Awards reflect the strength of London’s built environment as one connected industry.

This year’s 80 shortlisted projects across 16 categories demonstrate the breadth of work being delivered across London. Alongside recognising projects of every scale, dedicated awards celebrate the teams and partnerships whose leadership and collaboration are essential to creating a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous city.

The Independent Jury will select this year’s winners, bringing a broad range of perspectives from across London and internationally. The jury will be chaired by Sadie Morgan, who is joined by jury members Sevra Davis, Kathy Nothstine, Nick Searl and Anna Wallace-Thompson, and expert assessor Chairs Yẹmí Àlàdérun, Rumi Bose, Paul Hanna and Stephen Workman.

The winners will be revealed at the NLA Awards Lunch on 19 November, bringing more than 650 people together in the Great Hall at Guildhall to celebrate the shared contribution of one built environment to London’s future.

Meet the Independent Jury

Sadie Morgan, Chair and Senior Advisor on voice and influence at political level, NLA

Sadie is a Senior Advisor to NLA and Chair of the New London Sounding Board. A founding director of Stirling Prize-winning architecture practice dRMM, she is a leading advocate for design quality, infrastructure and places that connect people and communities. In 2017, she was named New Londoner of the Year.

Sevra Davis, Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion, British Council

Sevra is Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council. She previously worked as an architect and urban designer across the US, UK and Finland before moving into design leadership. Before joining the British Council, she led the Learning team at the Design Museum and served as Director of Design at the RSA.

Kathy Nothstine, Director of Cities, Challenge Works by Nesta

Kathy specialises in place-based innovation and supporting cities to address complex urban challenges. With more than a decade of experience in urban planning and local government, she has led initiatives focused on resilience, sustainable mobility and access to opportunity, bringing cities, communities and innovators together to create stronger places and local economies.

Nick Searl, Strategic Advisor, Urban Partners

Nick brings extensive experience in delivering major mixed-use developments in London and internationally. He spent almost a decade working on King’s Cross, leading its commercial strategy, leasing and management, before taking a leading role in Brent Cross Town. His career has also included major developments at Paddington Basin and projects across the Far East.

Anna Wallace-Thompson, Director, Global Co-Head of Proposals, Sotheby’s

Anna is a global publishing and communications leader at Sotheby’s, where she shapes high-impact narratives across major business pitches. Formerly with Condé Nast and Canvas, she brings extensive editorial experience and international insight. Her career has spanned Sydney, Dubai, New York and London, informing her distinctive approach to communications and storytelling.

Expert Assessor Chairs

Yẹmí Àlàdérun, Head of Development, London Borough of Ealing

Yẹmí is Head of Development at the London Borough of Ealing, a Mayor’s Design Advocate and a board member of Women’s Pioneer Housing. An architect by background, she is a leading voice on equitable housing and inclusive regeneration, with particular expertise in unlocking delivery, improving viability and creating lasting social value through complex development projects.

Rumi Bose, Placeshaping and Regeneration Consultant, Rumi Bose Ltd

Rumi is an award-winning urban design and regeneration specialist with 16 years of experience across London. She brings communities, public authorities and multidisciplinary teams together to shape inclusive high streets and town centres. Her work champions social impact and participatory design, with projects recognised by NLA, the Civic Trust and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Paul Hanna, Associate Director, Hoare Lea

Paul is a chartered psychologist with experience spanning academia and industry, including senior roles at the Universities of Brighton and Surrey. At Hoare Lea, he established and leads the Societal Insights Unit, advising on community engagement, co-production and social value, with a particular focus on improving health, wellbeing and positive social impact through the built environment.

Stephen Workman, Technical Director and Residential Sector National Lead, AtkinsRéalis

Stephen is Technical Director and Residential Sector National Lead at AtkinsRéalis, overseeing work ranging from brownfield infill to complex high-rise and mixed-use regeneration. He works across residential sectors and all RIBA stages, and supports the development of EDAROTH, AtkinsRéalis’ affordable housing initiative, alongside the implementation of the Building Safety Act across the business.

Together, the five jurors bring perspectives spanning design, development, urban innovation, culture and communications, reflecting the breadth of expertise needed to shape a better London.

While the Independent Jury will select the winners across the Awards categories, the People’s Choice Award gives Londoners and the wider built environment community their own voice in recognising the projects making a difference across the capital. Voting closes on 9 October.

All winners will be revealed at the NLA Awards Lunch on 19 November, when more than 650 people from across London’s built environment will come together in the Great Hall at Guildhall to celebrate the people, places and projects shaping the city.

Book the NLA Awards Lunch 2026

Vote for the People's Choice Award

Explore the shortlist

Book the NLA Awards Lunch 2026

Vote for the People's Choice Award

Explore the shortlist