The Mark Finch Award will recognise the achievements of a person who has made a significant positive impact to the built environment and placemaking within the Leeds Metropolitan District.
It is awarded in honour of Mark Finch, an important figure in the development of the city for 25 years, who sadly passed away in 2023.
Mark, who worked as an Executive Director at Rushbond PLC for ten years, was a key figure in the development of projects such as the Majestic, the Corn Exchange and the First White Cloth Hall.
The award is supported by Mark’s family and Rushbond PLC, who are sponsoring the trophy which will be retained by the winner for two years until the next Leeds Architecture Awards in 2027.
How to apply
Awards will be made by nomination. A statement of up to 400 words should be provided by 5pm on Tuesday 30 September, by someone other than the nominee. The statement should provide the following information:
- The name and position of the nominee
- The project or body of work for which the person is nominated
- The impact made to the city’s built environment and place through this work
The statement should be sent to office@leedscivictrust.org.uk and should include the name of the person submitting the nomination and contact details.
Informal enquiries about the award should also be sent to office@leedscivictrust.org.uk
The awards process
The award will be made following a recommendation by a judging panel comprising representatives of Leeds Civic Trust, the Leeds Society of Architects and Leeds City Council in consultation with Mark’s family.
Eligibility and scope of the award
The overarching aim is to recognise the contribution of individuals who champion the built environment in Leeds through their work.
Nominations should focus on personal contributions made by the individual to work that has had a significant positive impact on the built environment and placemaking in Leeds. This may include contributions ranging from a single significant project to a body of work. Given that this is the first year the award is being made, the judges are not imposing a particular timescale on when this work took place, but would expect example(s) given to be recent.
The awards ceremony
The award will be presented at the Leeds Architecture Awards on the evening of Thursday 6th November 2025 at the Howard Assembly Room.
