Structural steel design awards

The Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA) celebrate excellence in the design, fabrication and erection of steel structures, showcasing the versatility, innovation and expertise of the constructional steelwork sector.

The awards recognise outstanding projects of all types and sizes, from bridges, buildings and large-scale infrastructure to staircases, sculptures and other specialist structures. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of possibilities offered by structural steel and the skill, creativity and collaboration involved in bringing these projects to life. Projects are recognised not only for high-quality design and construction, but for the contribution structural steelwork makes to their success, including through innovation, efficiency, sustainability and overcoming complex project challenges.

For almost 60 years, the Structural Steel Design Awards have showcased exceptional steel construction, celebrating the technical expertise and achievements of project teams and demonstrating the contribution structural steelwork makes to the built environment.

Structural Steel Design Awards 2027

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Operation of the awards

The Awards are open to steel based structures situated in the United Kingdom or overseas that have been built by UK or Irish steelwork contractors. They must have been completed and be ready for occupation or use during the two calendar years immediately preceding the year for which the projects are submitted for the awards.

Previous entries are not eligible.

Judging criteria

Each SSDA entry is considered by an independent panel of experts from across the construction industry, bringing together a broad range of professional experience and expertise.

The judges consider the merits of all aspects of a project, including architecture and engineering, the quality of fabrication and assembly, innovation, sustainability, the challenges faced and how these were overcome, and the contribution structural steelwork has made to the finished project. Following an initial review of the entries, shortlisted projects are visited by the judges wherever possible. These visits provide an opportunity to experience the structures first-hand, understand the achievements of the project teams and explore specific aspects of each project in greater detail.

Once the visits have been completed, the judging panel meets to compare the shortlisted projects and reach a consensus on the final results.

Planning and Architecture

Satisfaction of client’s brief
Environmental impact
Carbon measurement and reduction
Cost-effectiveness
Architectural excellence
Durability and adaptability for changing requirements
Efficiency of the use and provision of services

Structural Engineering

Benefits achieved by using steel construction
Efficiency of design, fabrication and erection
Use of digital technology
Skill and workmanship
Integration of structure and services
Efficiency and effectiveness of fire and corrosion protection
Innovation of design, build and manufacturing technique

How to enter

For details of how to enter and more information on the judging process, please download an entry form.
Why enter?
If your project is shortlisted, your company would have the kudos of being part of a prestigious Awards scheme - one with a long history, focused solely on steel construction and the only one where expert judges visit every shortlisted project to truly appreciate its qualities. In addition, you’ll receive:

Free publicity for you, your project and your client, both online and in the construction press.
Free attendance at a major Awards event in central London for your project team.
Recognition of excellence for your project, be it large or small.

How to succeed?
Plan ahead and involve the whole project team from the outset in preparing a high-quality submission, don’t leave it to the last minute. Read the entry criteria and particularly the ‘Submission Material’ section on the entry form and provide exactly what is required, nothing more, nothing less. In addition:

High quality photos will portray your project at its best.
A well written, flowing description of the context, concept design, outstanding features and key construction details will allow the judges to swiftly appreciate the essence of your project.
Broad representation from all parties at the judges’ visit will demonstrate collaboration and enthusiasm.

Structural steel design awards 2026

Full details of the 2026 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2026 brochure produced by the BCSA and Steel for Life in association with Kovic Design Limited.

National Finalists

First Street, Manchester

81 Newgate Street, London

The Jellicoe, London

The Bolt of Lightning, Warrington

Greycoat Stores, London

Structural steel design awards 2025

Full details of the 2025 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2025 brochure produced by the BCSA and Steel for Life in association with Kovic Design Limited.

Awards

Kepax Bridge, Worcestershire

AELTC Indoor Tennis Centre, London

The Porsche Sculpture at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed

AESC, Sunderland

Friends’ School Lisburn, Northern Ireland

21 Moorfields, London

Commendations

Two to Four Wilton Park, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

65 Davies Street,London

101 Moorgate, London

25A Vinery Road, Cambridge

Worship Square, 65 Clifton Street, London

ExCeL Phase 3, London

Merits

Manor Farm Bridge, Somerset

Barmouth Viaduct Metallic Spans Replacement, Wales

Spectra, University of Hertfordshire

Structural steel design awards 2024

Full details of the 2024 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2024 brochure produced by the BCSA and Steel for Life in association with Kovic Design Limited.