We strive to create truly enduring architecture that is more than skin deep.
Bennetts Associates was formed in 1987 by Rab and Denise Bennetts. We are an employee-owned trust of around 70 people and since 2022, a certified B Corp® with offices in London, Edinburgh and Manchester.
We believe that timeless, humane and beautifully crafted architecture expresses the indivisibility of space, fabric, structure and services. We believe that the best buildings reveal their beauty and utility over time. We address with conviction urban place-making, genuine functionality and believe that truly long-lasting architecture is underpinned by our pioneering expertise in sustainability.
Our portfolio of projects is deliberately diverse across a wide range of sectors, scales and complexities in both the public and private sector. The variety and potential of cross-fertilisation of ideas between typologies generates a creative stimulus that we enjoy. Whilst being generalists, we have acknowledged specialist expertise in a number of areas such as workplace, arts/culture, education, masterplanning and sustainability.
Being a B Corp
The B in B Corp stands forbenefit, and refers to businesses that benefit the community, the workers and the environment.
In February 2022, we achieved B Corp® certification and became the highest scoring UK architectural practice at the time. We joined the global network of companies committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
What is a B Corp?
Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Lab is unique in our ability to measure a company’s entire social and environmental impact.
How did we do it?
To gain B Corp certification, the 'B Impact Assessment’ tool is used to evaluate how a company’s business model impacts five categories: workers, community, environment, customers and governance. B Corp Certification not only evaluates a product or service, but also the material positive impact of the company behind it.
Bennetts Associates was named a 2022 Best for the World™ B Corp™ in recognition of our exceptional positive impact on its Workers in the 50-249 Employees category.
Why did we do it?
Through research, we found that B Corporation aligned with our agenda and what we were looking to achieve. We realised that being a B Corp could help us develop a framework for continued improvement - to help us not just sit back and congratulate ourselves, but to encourage us to continue to drive to influence things for the better.
How did we do?
The median score for ordinary businesses who complete the assessment is 50.9. To achieve B Corp certification, the company must score at least 80 points, Bennetts Associates achieved a score of 121.5 which is exceptional and the highest of any architectural practice in the UK.
There are now 5000 B Corps with 670 in the UK and we're delighted to join the growing community particularly in the Built Environment sector. If you're interested in knowing more of our journey. Get in touch!
Awards
Bennetts Associates’ major projects have all been recognised for the quality of their design in awards, press coverage and exhibitions. Amongst over 200 awards won by the firm to date, including:
31 RIBA Awards
Three times shortlisted for the
Stirling Prize
Two-time winner of the Prime Minister’s
Better Public Building Award at the British Construction Industry Awards
Four times Project of the Year at
the British Construction Industry Awards
Importantly, these awards recognise not only design quality, but also wider issues such as sustainability, social value. construction, delivery and industry collaboration.
RIBA Stirling Prize
Year
Project
Description
2011
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
View Project
Shortlisted
2005
Central Library and Jubilee Street Development, Brighton
View Project
Shortlisted
1998
Richard Attenborough Centre for Disability and the Arts, University of Leicester
View Project
Our partnerships take many forms, from our active involvement with industry groups and select charities to memberships with key organisations in the built environment and those allied to the sectors in which we work. Below is a representative list of these associations.