The Awards recognise the skills involved in all aspects of the buildings industry throughout Norfolk.

Awards were given for a wide range of projects from the construction of a new staircase at Norwich School to a new extension to the Rossi Leisure Centre in North Walsham.

The Norfolk Association of Architects announced this year’s Awards for exceptional craftsmanship at the Annual Dinner of Norfolk’s Joint Consultative Committee for Building held at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel .For over 36 years, the Awards have been made in recognition of high quality construction and craftsmanship achieved in building and restoration work throughout the county.  The entries were judged by a panel comprising two architects, a builder and a former member of the Construction Department at Norwich City Council.The Awards are presented to the foreman in charge and the craftspeople involved, then to the builder, the building owner, and the designer.

Tony Cleary, President of the Norfolk Association of Architects said the following about the Awards.

“At a time when the country, and Norfolkin particular, is in need of more buildings skills it is important to recognise good workmanship and to give encouragement where it is due.  We are giving Awards to those who have demonstrated that pride in their workmanship is all important at a time when mechanisation implies that craftsmanship is not necessary; a well built brick wall or a beautiful piece of joinery will be a lasting joy. Learning a skill can never start too early and should be encouraged at school age, not everyone must get a degree.”

There were thirty-nine nominations and twelve schemes received Awards and five received Commendations in various categories, which this year included specialist work in Plastering and Decorating.

Among the Awards was a house in the grounds of the Priory at Walsingham built by Alwyn Eke & Sons of Brisley; and a group of four houses in Pigg Lane, Norwich, built by John Youngs Ltd

The new commercial building category featured strongly with the Norfolk Records Office, County Hall, built by R G Carter Ltd receiving an Award with a commendation for the classrooms of the future at Thurlton Primary School built by Fisher & Sons (Fakenham) Ltd.

In the alterations and restorations category the alterations to the staircase and new classroom at Norwich School built by Draper & Nichols also received an Award for the LGMAC Buildingat UEA built by John Youngs receiving a Commendation.

During the Dinner, Norfolk’s best trainees of the year were presented with Awards.  John Fairweather of RMC Ltd presented the Carpentry Award to Karl Daykin of Mitchell and Rollins Ltd, David Willam of ND Willan Builders; Bricklaying Awards to Nathan Alexander of T V Palmer Ltd, and Jasper Pegg of RJ Bacon Builders and Ben Crisp of R G Carter (Thetford) Ltd.

Robin Duxbury of Akzo Nobel presented Painting and Decorating Awards to Kyle Griffin of Mitie Property Services Ltd.