BDA Announces 50th Anniversary Brick Awards: A Half-Century of Architectural Excellence

The Brick Development Association (BDA) is proud to announce the 50th anniversary of the Brick Awards, marking five decades of excellence in clay brick architecture. The landmark anniversary ceremony will take place on 4th November 2026 at the Royal Lancaster London, bringing together the very best of the UK construction and design community for a truly historic celebration.

Since its inception, the Brick Awards has remained the industry’s most prestigious accolade, widely recognised as the definitive benchmark for excellence in clay brickwork. To commemorate this golden milestone, the 2026 Brick Awards will be the most ambitious in the Association’s history, celebrating not only today’s outstanding projects, but also the enduring legacy of clay brick across the built environment.

A Landmark Golden Jubilee

For 50 years, the Brick Awards have honoured visionary architects, developers, contractors and master bricklayers whose work has shaped Britain’s towns, cities and communities. The 2026 anniversary programme will reflect on the evolution of clay brick over the past half-century, celebrating its proven sustainability, versatility and enduring beauty, while shining a spotlight on the innovation, technical excellence and design ambition that define the industry today and will carry it confidently into the future.

As part of the BDA’s wider 50th anniversary celebrations, a series of activities and initiatives will take place throughout 2026, culminating in the Brick Awards ceremony. Together, these events will celebrate the people, projects and material that have defined five decades of architectural excellence, while reaffirming clay brick’s central role in shaping the next generation of the built environment.

The Legacy Award

To mark this exceptional anniversary year, the BDA is introducing the brand-new Legacy Award, a special one-off honour celebrating the most iconic, community-impacting or transformative clay brick building of the last five decades.

The Legacy Award shines a spotlight on the enduring physical and cultural impact of clay brick, recognising buildings that have stood the test of time, whether through successful adaptation to new uses or by retaining their original, timeless character. It highlights clay brick’s longevity, adaptability and inherent value, demonstrated across 50 years of Brick Awards history.

Call for Entries

Architects, contractors and developers are invited to submit their projects for consideration when entries officially open on Monday 2nd March 2026. Eligible projects must be completed within the last two years, and may be entered across multiple categories, from major commercial developments to exemplary bespoke residential schemes.

With national recognition, industry prestige and a once-in-a-generation anniversary trophy at stake, competition is expected to be higher than ever.

Commenting on the anniversary, Rob Flello, Chief Executive of the Brick Development Association, said:
“The 50th Brick Awards represent a remarkable milestone for our industry and a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of clay brick in British architecture. We look forward to celebrating this historic year with the industry and showcasing the projects and legacies that will inspire the next fifty years.”

For more information on entry criteria, sponsorship opportunities, or to register your interest, visit www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards.

ENDS

About The Brick Development Association (BDA)

The BDA is the national authority on clay bricks. Its membership accounts for almost 100% of the industry’s productivity in the UK, which deliver excellent quality through a reliable supply chain. As such, the BDA collates the latest and most authoritative statistical data on UK clay brick production, distribution and sustainability commitments.

UK brick manufacturers provide free technical guides, advice and CPDs through the BDA. Whether your procurement teams seek advice on how best to manage the supply of bricks; your architects seek guidance on design specifications; or your onsite teams seek certainty about good site practice and workmanship, the BDA is your source of impartial, expert information.