Stephen Hodder Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Manchester Society of Architects Awards
Renowned Architect Honoured
Founding Director of Hodder+Partners and Professor at Manchester School of Architecture, Stephen Hodder, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Manchester Society of Architects Awards. The event took place at the newly restored New Century Hall on Thursday 15th June.
Stephen Hodder’s Journey
Stephen was educated at Manchester School of Architecture and went on to receive an honorary doctorate from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2006. He was awarded an MBE for services to architecture in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1998. Stephen was RIBA President from 2013-15 and Chair of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) from 2019-2021.
A Storied Career
This year, Stephen is celebrating 40 years in practice, having established his firm in 1983. The practice has now won over sixty major awards including the Royal Fine Art Commission/ Sunday Times Building of the Year Award for Colne Swimming Pool in Lancashire, the inaugural RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture for the Centenary Building, University of Salford, and most recently, seventeen for the Welcome Building at the RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford. UK’s Housing Energy Efficiency at Risk- RIBA’s Response to Government Policy Changes
Award Presentation
The award, presented by Robert McGinnes, Manchester Society of Architects President, is selected by the society members for the person that has made a significant contribution to architecture. Past winners have included Roger Stephenson, Rachel Hough and Sir Norman Foster.
Acknowledging a Lifetime of Achievement
Introducing the award, Robert said: “This award acknowledges those that have made a massive impact over a lifetime of work. This year’s award is for someone synonymous with Manchester architecture but who has also left their mark beyond. Still creating outstanding work, this year marks their 40th year in practice. It gives me great pleasure to announce this year’s award goes to Stephen Hodder.”
Stephen’s Response
Receiving the award, Stephen replied: “MSA was really the first community of architects I engaged with in the mid-1990s and so this means a great deal to me. Over 40 years we have been incredibly lucky and fortunate as a practice, particularly with the opportunities that have been presented to us. But architecture is a team activity…we have been engaged by many visionary clients and collaborated with excellent consultants and contractors. All have contributed to our work in architecture. And with every opportunity, and every project, I have worked with some extremely creative architects.”
Appreciation and Reflection
“I must particularly thank my marital and business partner, Claire. Her leadership allows me to pursue the triangle of practice, profession and education so important to me. Architecture has been my life and passion, and I hope I still have more to give!”
About Manchester Society of Architects
The Manchester Society of Architects is a community of architects and students who champion and nurture the present and future architects of the city. The MSA awards, held annually since 1995, are an opportunity to celebrate the great work produced in our city region and to provide architects (and future architects) the opportunity to showcase their work to their peers across the region.
A Legacy of Excellence
Stephen Hodder’s multiple award-winning practice and his commitment to shaping the future of architecture through education and mentorship makes him a worthy recipient of this prestigious accolade. His contributions to the field of architecture over the past four decades have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Manchester and beyond.
Continuing the Journey
As he celebrates his 40th year in practice, Hodder continues to create outstanding work and inspire the next generation of architects. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a recognition of his extraordinary contributions and a testament to his enduring influence in the world of architecture.