Find out about our visits to RIBA award-winning buildings with Members of Parliament (MPs). These visits are an opportunity to showcase the very best of UK architecture to elected representatives across the country.
Joined by the architects and clients behind the projects, MPs see first-hand the positive social, environmental and economic impact of high-quality design and architecture on communities - championing the role architects play in creating a better built environment.
Ian Sollom MP visits Dovehouse Court Almshouses
August 2025
Ian Sollom, Liberal Democrat MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, visited Dovehouse Court Almshouses in Girton, Cambridgeshire - winner of a 2025 RIBA East Award. Joined by Mole Architects and the project client, Girton Town Charity, the tour highlighted the 15 spacious homes for over-55s and a new charity office.
The outdated bungalows were replaced, and the new homes are arranged around a landscaped courtyard. Featuring brightly coloured doors and stepped levels for accessibility, and built to Passivhaus standards, the project achieves exceptionally low operational carbon. Dovehouse Court Almshouses is an excellent example of inclusive, sustainable design.
Calum Miller MP visits the Orangery at Blenheim Palace
August 2025
Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, visited the Orangery at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire - winner of a 2025 RIBA South Award. Restored by Nick Cox Architects, the project replaced a deteriorating Victorian roof with a new insulated slate design that both honours the original Baroque architecture and integrates climate-conscious features to reduce heat loss in winter and prevent overheating in summer.
This sensitive restoration safeguards one of Blenheim’s most important historic spaces and supports the estate’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027.
Chris Bloore MP visits the Courtyard Kitchen at Hanbury Hall
August 2025
Chris Bloore, Labour MP for Redditch, visited the Courtyard Kitchen at Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire - winner of a 2025 RIBA West Midlands Award. Welcomed by representatives from the National Trust and the project architect, Howells, the visit began with an introduction to the history of the Grade I-listed estate, followed by a guided tour of the building and the design process.
The project combines the traditional craftsmanship of handmade clay tiles and locally sourced green oak with contemporary design, introducing a new accessible entrance, outdoor seating, and improved connections to the gardens. These enhancements have enriched the visitor experience while supporting the long-term sustainability of Hanbury Hall.
Joe Powell MP visits the Photography Centre at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum
July 2025
Joe Powell, Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, visited the Photography Centre at the V&A - winner of a RIBA 2025 London Award. Designed by Gibson Thornley with Purcell, the careful restoration of five Grade I-listed galleries shows the vital role architects play in unlocking the potential of heritage buildings to meet modern needs. Engagement with young people helped ensure the centre’s creative adaptation resonates with future generations of visitors.
Luke Myer MP visits RIBA award winning Duncan Place Library and Community Hub
July 2025
Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, visited Duncan Place Library and Community Hub - a RIBA award-winning project in Loftus, North Yorkshire. Designed by EDable Architecture for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the site is home to a youth and community centre, family hub and library, all under one roof.
The regeneration of this Victorian building highlights the value that high-quality design and improved connectivity between green and urban spaces, can bring to a local area.
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport visits RIBA London Award 2025 winning building
May 2025
Louie French, Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup and Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport, visited The Sidcup Storyteller – winner of a 2025 RIBA London Award. Joined by the architect, DRDH Architects, the site visit highlighted the role that architecture can play in revitalising town centres and supporting community needs.
Marsha de Cordova MP visits Thames Christian School
March 2025
Labour MP for Battersea, Marsha De Cordova, visited RIBA award-winning building, Thames Christian School. Architects, Henley Halebrown and School Head and Founder, joined the Policy and Public Affairs team to highlight the importance of outstanding architecture in improving people’s lives and fostering community wellbeing.
