Exclusive: Who’s on the GLA’s new architecture panel

Gort Scott, Karakusevic Carson, Carl Turner, Architecture 00 and Adam Khan Architects have each made it on to two panels in the GLA’s new architecture and design framework.

BD can reveal the names of all the architects that made it on to four of the major panels: housing, transport architecture, public buildings - which covers civic, commercial, workspace, health and education buildings - and engagement.

Hundreds of practices applied for the Architecture Design Urbanism Panel 2. ADUP2 replaces its predecessor which had been in force for about six years. Its other specialist panels also cover infrastructure, landscape and graphic design.

David Howarth, co-founder of DRDH Architects, which was overlooked last time but made it on to the coveted public buildings list this time, said it was almost impossible for small practices to win public work in London if they were not on a panel because ADUP is used by local authorities as well as the GLA and TfL to procure work.

“We just missed out last time and were quite frustrated because it ran for so many years,” he said.

“It’s given certain practices quite a lot of work. It’s quite hard to do things in London without being on it because so many local authorities use it to tender for their own small competitions. Rather than go through Ojeu they can just pick a few names which cuts out a lot of admin. We’ve been waiting a long time for this chance. It will be good for us.”

DRDHA has worked extensively abroad – notably the Bodo concert hall in Norway – and is currently working on two cultural projects in Belgium. It has also just reached practical completion on the Site Gallery in Sheffield. Howarth said they are looking forward to picking up work in their home town.

Bidders were contacted in the last few days. Successful practices range in size from 6a and Feilden Fowles to Foster & Partners, AHMM and Stirling Prize winners Stanton Williams, as well as Dutch architect Hans van der Heijden.

One of the unexpected losers was education specialist – and previous Architect of the Year winner – Cottrell & Vermeulen.

The process of applying was akin to a two-stage design competition, said Howarth, who was disappointed to miss out on the housing panel but delighted to make the grade for the public buildings list.

A heavy-duty PQQ last year led to 25-strong shortlists for the 14 categories. Finalists were then invited to design a theoretical scheme for a site of their choice, following a theme set by the GLA. The final panels are about half the size of their shortlists – typically a dozen practices. ADUP2 will last initially for two years, but could be extended.

Alex Ely, founder of Mae which is on the housing panel for the second time, said: “We are looking forward to opportunities to work with the GLA and its partners delivering great housing in London.”