Don't Move, Improve! 2025
Don’t Move, Improve! is your chance to showcase the best and most innovative home improvement projects across London. Whether you’re a small architecture practice or a homeowner, this competition highlights projects that reimagine living spaces through sustainable design and long-term solutions.
Powered by NLA, London’s built environment community, the awards offer year-round exposure through exhibitions, digital features, and connections with top professionals. As part of the New London Agenda, we strive for a city of equity, sustainability and prosperity by promoting best practice in placemaking. Submit your project to gain recognition, connect with potential clients, and inspire others to transform their homes.
NEED HELP? To submit your project, please use the online Zealous form. Guidance on submissions is provided below, but if you need further assistance, you can also contact us at
awards@nla.london.
DEADLINE: 5pm, Thursday 24 October 2024
Enter Now
Submission Guidelines
How To Enter
Awards entries must be submitted through our online application before the deadline of 5pm, Thursday 24 October 2024.
1. Download Submission Guidelines
Make sure you have everything ready by downloading our Submissions Guidelines and collating everything you need to prepare your submission.
2. Complete the online application
Submitting is easier than ever, using our new online form via Zealous. Begin submitting your details, and save and return to it at any point, until all required fields are completed.
3. Upload supporting documentationThis includes your cover images, key project images, and drawings.
4. Payment
Once completed, submit your application by Thursday 24 October 2024 and pay the cost upon submission.
WHY ENTER?
- Gain exposure in top publications like The New York Times, Evening Standard, Financial Times, Wallpaper*, and Dezeen.
- Your project could be showcased on the Don’t Move, Improve! website, with ongoing digital content and a dedicated project directory.
- Get promoted across Instagram, reaching over 73,000 engaged followers with dedicated posts and reels.
- Winning and shortlisted projects will be highlighted in the Don’t Move, Improve! annual publication.
- Selected projects will feature in a display at The London Centre.
- Winners will be announced at a special reception attended by leading industry professionals.
- Winning practices receive a 12-month membership to NLA.
- Winning practices will be invited to take part in NLA’s public events, in partnership with Clerkenwell Design Week, Open House Festival, and the London Festival of Architecture.
- Longlisted practices may be invited to participate in a series of design consultations, including one-on-one sessions, talks, and advice with potential future clients.
Submission Costs
- Full Price (Non-Members): £150+VAT
- Exclusive NLA Member Rate: £99+VAT
NLA Members save over 30% on submission costs! Not a member yet? Join NLA to access this exclusive rate and enjoy other member benefits year-round. For information about NLA membership and its benefits, please contact
membership@nla.london.
PRIZES
Home of The Year
Awarded to the project that presents an exemplary approach to home renovating, demonstrating exceptional design, innovation and character.
Environmental Prize
Awarded to the project that exhibits thought leadership for environmental considerations such as long-life design, sustainable materials and energy efficiency.
Materiality & Craftsmanship Prize
Recognising designs that take particular attention to detail and care when considering materials and finishes. This prize is awarded to a project that demonstrates innovative material choices and construction techniques.
Cost Effective Prize
Recognising great value, this prize is given to the best transformation under £150,000 total project cost.
Compact Design Prize
Awarded to the project that demonstrates ingenuity and creativity in a design with tight space constraints.
Transformation Prize
Awarded to the project that has gone through significant transformation or retrofit from an inhabitable dwelling to a liveable home, using as much of the existing foundations as possible.
Best Interior Design
Awarded to the design that showcases overall exceptional creativity and originality in interior spaces, from bedrooms and living rooms to work and play areas.
Best Outdoor Space
Recognising the most innovative and beautiful use of outdoor space, this award celebrates outstanding garden designs, courtyards, rooftops and balconies, that prioritise biodiversity and greening.
Best Kitchen Design
Honouring the most innovative and functional kitchen, this award celebrates a space that seamlessly combines style, functionality and the latest trends to create a culinary haven.
Best Bathroom Design
Sponsored by VitrA
Recognising excellence in bathroom transformation, this award spotlights a renovation that masterfully balances luxury, comfort and smart design solutions for a rejuvenating experience.
People’s Choice Award
Celebrating the project that captures the public’s imagination, this award is determined by popular vote, recognising the home that resonates most with Londoners.
Enter Now
Submission Guidelines
DEADLINE: 5pm, 24 October 2024
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
By supporting
Don’t Move, Improve! you will be aligning your organisation with London’s best home extension projects. For more information on available packages please contact
emily.gabb@nla.london.