The results are in: BCO Milan 2025 Photography Competition

Drum roll please... the results are in >>

1st Place - Grand Prize Winner:

Congratulations to: Edmund Vaughan of chapmanbdsp for his outstanding win - a powerful portrait of Milan’s architectural identity - where green innovation and iconic design collide in perfect balance.





Ed's photo of Bosco Verticale behind the UnCredit Building impressed the judges for how it sends a clear message about sustainability, even to those outside the industry.

🥇 Winning Photograph - Judges’ Comments:

“A stand-out photo that shouts ‘Milan’ from every angle.”

“Design and Brand have been thoughtfully considered - this image captures the essence of the city and the conference theme.”

In 2nd Place:

Congratulations to Mark Simpson, BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) runner-up, for his showstopping Instagram entry of the apartment block lobby photo near Porta Genova: 





🥈 Runner-Up - Judges’ Comments:

“A worthy runner-up." The judges commented on how well it harnesses natural light to elevate the composition.

“There’s an artisanal quality to the runner-up photograph - everything has been carefully and intentionally considered.”

“Still Life, yet, it feels alive - you just want to keep looking at it.”


As ever, winners will be encouraged to donate a portion of their winnings to the nominated conference charity. This year, Helen nominated the wonderful London youth charity, XLP. The judges scored for creativity, composition, and adherence to the conference theme, Making Your Mark: The Power of Brand, Design and Quality.

Shortlist: 

Centred at Duomo, Alex Soltynski, Built (Highly commended)

Big Cheese at the BCO Conference Party, Hazel Houliston, NatWest Group (Highly commended)

Snam HQ by Kuros Sarshar, John Robertson Architects (Highly commended)

Bocconi University by Harry Bucknall, Piercy & Company

Navigli District by Kathryn Edwards, Make Architects

Duomo by Oliver Hall, Make Architects

One Man by Mike Taylor, Hopkins Architects

Shadow by Alex Soltynski, Built

Torre Valesca by Anna Rigoli, TTSP

Thank you to the judges:

Mark Limbrick, Co-founder, Aros Architects (Judging Chair) (1st Place Winner of BCO Dublin, 2023)

Stacey Henshaw, Co-founder, Shaw Studios (1st Place Winner of BCO Birmingham, 2024)

Aneeka Pooni, PR & Communications Manager, Basha-Franklin

Christina Solomons, Freelance Photographer.

Judging from the BCO's side, special thanks to: Helen Hare, BCO Conference Chair and Senior Vice President, Alana Bennett, Team Assistant, BCO, and Roxane McMeeken, Director, ING Media.

BCO Conference Photography Competition 2025

Thank you for all of the effort and energy behind your submissions. All 380 of them.

Our panel of judges are looking forward to scoring the entries, but in the meantime, a huge thank you to Helen Hare, whose exceptional leadership as this year’s Conference Chair set the tone for an unforgettable programme in one of the world’s most stylish, iconic, and photogenic cities. No place does 'design and brand' quite like Milan, and this quiet little competition ticked away within the buzz of it all.

Entries closed at 5pm on 4 June. The judges will convene on 12 June 2025 to select the prize winners: 1st Place, £1000 cash. Runner-up, £500. Highly commended will be chosen too. This contest in the unforgettable city of Milan was open to all levels and no separate categories were determined. Terms and conditions apply.

As ever, winners will be encouraged to donate a portion of their winnings to the nominated conference charity. This year, it's the wonderful London youth charity, XLP. The judges will be scoring for creativity, originality and adherence to the conference theme, Making Your Mark: The Power of Brand, Design and Quality.

So, who’s calling the shots?

Mark Limbrick, Co-founder, Aros Architects (Judging Chair)
(1st Place Winner of BCO Dublin, 2023)

Mark has an unwavering enthusiasm for architecture which showed itself early in a childhood compulsion to draw - anything, anywhere.

He co-founded Aros in 2001, and his specialist experience in commercial office design and fit-out put the practice on a firm footing. With extensive experience in commercial office design and fit-out, Mark has played a key role in building the practice’s reputation for delivering modern, commercially astute architectural solutions. His methodical approach and enduring passion for architecture have been fundamental to the successful delivery of numerous high-profile projects.

Architectural, design and brand style: Mark’s design philosophy places emphasis on functionality, clarity, and context. His projects - such as the ‘Lantern’ office development in Maidenhead - demonstrate a refined use of form, elegant façades, and a strong focus on sustainable design, always aiming to maximise efficiency and deliver added value to both clients and the wider community.

Aneeka Pooni - PR & Communications Manager, Basha Franklin  

Aneeka draws from her extensive background in both the art world and commercial design. She launched her career at the renowned Saatchi Gallery before moving into art sales consultancy, where she honed her eye for creativity and visual storytelling. With a strong grasp of both artistic expression and brand identity, she brings a rich and varied perspective to this year’s BCO Milan Photography Competition.

Artistic, design and brand style: Currently serving as PR & Communications Manager at Basha-Franklin, Aneeka plays an integral role in crafting brand narratives that strike a balance between creativity and clarity. Her aesthetic sensibility leans toward the contemporary with a cultural flair -thoughtful, refined, and always guided by a strong sense of purpose and story.

Stacey Henshaw – Co-founder, Shaw Studios

(1st Place Winner of BCO Birmingham, 2024)

Stacey Henshaw Stacey has spent 30 years working within major design practices in both the UK and across Asia before setting up Shaw Studios with Ruth Bradshaw.  Now in its 11^th year Shaw Studios is a London-based interior design studio working with end user clients, developers and landlords across commercial focussed projects.  With a strong focus on balancing form and function, the studio works on a broad spectrum of feasibility, design and construction projects.

Design and branding style: Stacey’s approach centres on creating uplifting spaces that prioritise user experience and environmental responsibility, whilst rooted in the practicalities of budget and longevity. Stacey has a deep commitment to her clients and the delivery of their project vision with the belief that all organisations are unique and require their own tailored process and design. She ensures that her clients are challenged to interrogate their requirements and ultimate goals.

Christina Solomons, Photographer

Christina Solomons is a London-based freelance photographer specialising in portraiture and reportage. With a background rooted in storytelling and authentic, people-focused imagery, Christina has spent over a decade capturing striking visuals for editorial, commercial and cultural clients. Her work has featured in publications such as Wallpaper and The Fox Is Black, and she has contributed stills to film projects including Blood Cells, which premiered at the Venice Biennale.

Alongside editorial work, Christina has produced commissioned photography for clients including HarperCollins, Penguin Books, The Garnered and Summerfuel. Her versatility across industries and ability to draw out the essence of a subject have made her a trusted creative partner across publishing, arts and brand campaigns.

Photographic, design and brand style: Christina’s style is grounded in natural light, quiet observation, and visual honesty. Whether shooting portraits, interiors or behind-the-scenes stills, she blends creative intuition with a strong editorial eye, ensuring her work feels both timeless and impactful.

Look out for the winners announcement on 12 June and more info on BCO's social media feeds.

It’s almost that time when we start reaching out to the shortlist and the lucky winner, so keep an eye on your inbox. T&Cs apply which includes details on how we handle your data, and if you’ve got any questions, drop us a line at mail@bco.org.uk.

Special thanks to BCO's Conference Chair and Senior Vice President, Helen Hare, all the judges with the support of Roxane McMeeken (ING Media), Alana Bennett and Chane Scallan from BCO's side.

Look out for more info on BCO's social media feeds and the winners announcement on 12 June.

Best of luck to all! 

BCO Conference 2025 Photography Competition T’s and C’s:

To allow entrants more time to enter their photographs after the conference draws to a close on 30 May 2025, the official competition deadline is Wednesday 4 June 2025 @ 17:00 and no further entries will be accepted after this date. Entrants may enter up to three photos per person. This is a competition for the winning photographs from the BCO Conference. ALL skill levels, whether pro or amateur are invited to participate by capturing and sharing their best photos from Milan. A 1st Place Winner, Runner-up and Highly Commended will be chosen.

Entries are judged based on creativity, composition, and adherence to the 2025 theme: “Making Your Mark: The Power of Brand, Design, and Quality.”  Prize winners will be chosen by a select panel of judges and their decision is final.

Eligibility: It is free to enter and there are three different ways you can enter.

Only photos uploaded to the official conference app gallery with name and category, or via Instagram with @bco_uk tagged will be counted. Entries with name and chosen category in the subject line will also be accepted by e-mailing photographs to: mail@bco.org.uk. The competition is open to BCO Conference attendees ONLY. Those directly involved in the administration or judging of the competition or employees of The British Council for Offices (BCO) may submit entries for exhibition purposes only and will not be eligible for prizes.

Winners will be notified via email or telephone.

Copyrights and usage Rights: Winning images will only be used in connection with the competition and accompanying publicity and will include appropriate photo credits.

All photographers retain copyright of their work.

All entrants agree to the storage of their images in electronic form for the purpose of judging the competition and the private distribution of those images as required to complete the judging process.

The photographer warrants that the rights (of any kind) to the photograph have not previously been sold or granted to any third party.

Per Instagram’s rules, this competition is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram or Meta Platforms, Inc. By entering via Instagram, entrants release Instagram and Meta from any responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.

By submitting your entry, you agree to all of the terms and conditions listed here and updated pre-judging, on 6 June 2025.

Personal data collected for the purpose of administering this competition will be processed in accordance with the BCO’s privacy policy and current UK data protection legislation (including GDPR).

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Call for BCO Research, Spring 2024

I am pleased to be able to announce the BCO’s Spring 2024 Call for Research. We are inviting BCO members to submit proposals to undertake research projects of relevance to the overall objectives of the BCO. The general scope of the BCO’s current research interests can be found in our Pillar Research paper.  The following summary diagram illustrates our four thematic areas of interest, the implications that we are seeking to draw out and, finally how the recommendations can be socially relevant. Guidance on how to prepare a submission can be found here. We are looking to commission high quality, evidence-based work which produces informative conclusions and practical recommendations. We welcome proposals from single forms or consortia of blended skills. Proposals will be considered by the BCO Research Committee and judged on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to discuss an idea before preparing a formal proposal, then please do not hesitate to contact myself. Rob Harris robharris@ramidus.co.uk M: 07836 563 416

2024 National Awards: BCO Member priority booking period open until 21 June

 

BCO NATIONAL AWARDS DINNER Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Tuesday 8 October 2024  Tables for the grand final of this year's BCO Awards competition are now on sale with a priority booking period for members until 21 June.   BOOK NOW       CELEBRATE AND NETWORK  One of the most prestigious events in the corporate real estate calendar, this event continues to attract over 1,200 of the industry's key players. It is a prime opportunity to network with your peers and to celebrate the national finalists of this top quality awards competition. Tables usually sell out fast, so secure your place in a top position before bookings open to the public.   SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES There are still some category sponsorship packages available, so don't miss out on the opportunity to get your brand noticed at one of the most high profile events in the commercial property calendar. To find out more, please contact Victoria Armstrong on 07968 448365 or email victoria@sasevents.co.uk.   READY TO BOOK? To book a table or place, download the booking form  and return to:  Clare Hollick, BCO Awards, Createvents, 450 Brook Drive, Reading, Berkshire RG2 6UU E: clare@createvents.co.uk; T: 01183 340085     With thanks to our National Awards Sponsors

Results for the 2024 BCO Conference Photography Competition

Today, BCO announces the results of our photography competition held during last month’s 2024 BCO Conference.

Warmest congratulations to Stacey Henshaw from Shaw Studios who won 1st Place with her photo in the City of Contrasts category: Birmingham Townhall.

The judges were unanimous in their praise for the composition of this standout photo capturing old and new in the fast-changing city of Birmingham. As the highest-scoring photo for visual impact and adherence to the theme, ‘city of contrasts,’ the judges thought that it was the most deserving winner and met the brief brilliantly by capturing three contrasting facades intersecting in one, striking shot.

Congratulations also to the runner up, Sandeep Shambi from Howells who scored highly with his photo of Digbeth. The intricate texture of the bricks adds depth and character, creating a compelling visual narrative of vibrancy, creativity and industrial heritage landscape of Digbeth in Birmingham.

Congratulations to Stacey Henshaw, grand prize winner of £1000.

Joe Wilson’s shot of The Ringway Centre (Architect: James Roberts, 1962) was highly commended.

Judging:

Special thanks to Mark Limbrick (Aros Architects) for hosting the session at the Aros Studios; Mark Simpson (BDP); Roxane McMeeken (ING Media); Mary Economidou (BCO) with input from Conference Chair, Peter Crowther (HERE); Dublin Top 10 contender and BCO NextGen Midlands committee member, Keely Warr (AtkinsRéalis).

Stacey Henshaw, Shaw Studios, City of Contrasts category. Birmingham Town Hall with the new development behind – Three Chamberlain Square designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Sandeep Shambi, Howells, City of Contrasts, Digbeth - Creative.

Joe Wilson, BDP. (Instagram entry) Interestingly, the building featured (The Ringway Centre, Architect: James Roberts, 1962) is one which is threatened for demolition – but is highly regarded by brutalist fans, and, bodies such as the 20th Century Society are campaigning to save it.

Thank you to our judges and to everyone who took took part. Recap the creativity and vibrancy of the shortlist here.