Celebrating the design and development of Kent’s built environment

Celebrating the best of the Kent property and construction industry, the search is now on for nominations for the Kent Design & Development Awards 2018.

Jointly organised and sponsored by DHA Planning, Kent County Council and PR and marketing agency Maxim, the Kent Design & Development Awards take place every two years.

There are six categories to enter, giving built environment professionals a range of opportunities to demonstrate how they are using their skills to develop and regenerate the county. The categories are: Commercial, Industrial and Retail; Conservation; Environmental Performance; Infrastructure and Renewables; Public Buildings – Education and Community; and Residential – Minor and Major.

Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council, commented: “These awards showcase Kent’s built environment and epitomise the longstanding spirit of partnership between the public and private sector, through the skills of our local architects, construction companies, developers and surveyors.

“There have been many changes to the economic landscape since the last awards in 2016 and Kent is determined to show itself to the best possible advantage. There is a lot to be proud of in this county, and having good quality buildings and structures is a way of showing to the world that Kent is the place to be.”

The winners of the six categories will go forward to compete for the Project of the Year trophy, sponsored by DHA Planning, which will be awarded to the building or scheme with the greatest level of design quality in Kent. In 2016 this was won by The Wing at Capel-le-Ferne, pictured.

Alex Hicken, managing director at DHA Planning, based in Maidstone, said: “I really look forward to years when the Kent Design & Development Awards take place. These awards are a great opportunity to showcase the wealth and breadth of talent in Kent, and I’m always impressed by the high standard of projects that are shortlisted. There are some really remarkable developments in the county and it’s only right that we celebrate them.”

DHA Planning, Kent County Council and Maxim are joined in delivering the awards by category sponsors Cripps; CTP Consulting Engineers; Kent Construction Focus Group; the Rochester Bridge Trust and Sibley Pares. Further support is provided by Quinn Estates, Gallagher, and Penenden Heath Developments.

Andrew Metcalf, Director at Maxim, added: “As well as celebrating some truly great new architecture in Kent, these awards are also a lot of fun to be a part of. We really enjoy this opportunity to be able to publicise the achievements of the finalists and help generate some much-deserved attention to the county’s development community.”

The deadline for entering the Kent Design & Development Awards 2018 is 31st July, 2018.

Shortlisted schemes will be notified in September, with an awards ceremony taking place on 8th November, 2018.