Clarion opens applications for William Sutton Prize with £125,000 prize pot

Applications are invited to tackle any issues in this space, with “a particular interest in climate resilient design, retrofitting and renewable energy, resource efficiency, biodiversity and recovering nature, and well-being and placemaking”.

The connected communities prize, new for 2025, will award up to £50,000 to “innovative solutions that enhance community ties, promote inclusion, and strengthen the social fabric” of Clarion neighbourhoods.

Developed with The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, this category will recognise “impact-led ideas that improve social housing residents’ physical, emotional and social well-being, promoting a healthy and welcoming environment for all”.

Key areas include smart technology, bridging generational divides and community spaces. In addition to funding, the winners will receive tailored business support and the chance to collaborate with Clarion and partners to turn their ideas into reality.

Applications can be accepted from individuals, not-for-profits and commercial organisations in England and close at midday on 8 April.

Clare Miller, chief executive of Clarion Housing Group, said: “Through The William Sutton Prize, we are proud to collaborate with those who are pioneering new innovations and cutting-edge thinking. 

“Kickstarting our 125th anniversary celebrations, this year’s prize is our most ambitious to date and we are delighted to be able to increase the value of the funding thanks to the support of our partners.

“We’re focusing our efforts on tackling two major societal issues – preserving and restoring nature, and the need for truly connected communities – and I can’t wait to see what innovative ideas are put forward.”

Judges of the prize this year include: Peter Murray, co-founder of New London Architecture; Tara Gbolade, co-founding director of Gbolade Design Studio; Matt Harvey-Agyemang, co-founder of the POoR Collective; and Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive of Vistry Group.

Mr Murray said: “We need the best brains with the most ambition to match the transformative impact of Clarion’s founder, and I’m really looking forward to receiving the submissions and meeting the people behind them.”

Previous William Sutton Prize winners include architecture practices Bell Phillips Architects, Mole Architects and Jas Bhalla Works, as well as social enterprises and charities such as Hackney School of Food and Pride of Place: Living.