For the second time, Rio Architect’s Cardiff studio has been shortlisted for the Architect of the Year and Employer of the Year Awards at this years’ Cardiff Property Awards.

The shortlisting reflects the studio's key achievements in Cardiff over the past twelve months, with particular highlights being:

Atlantic Wharf Development, Cardiff - In 2019, we were chosen as Masterplanners for the 2 million sq ft Atlantic Wharf Development in Cardiff. Fast forward to 2022, and the design proposal is approved, representing the next phase of the development of Cardiff Bay and its links to the city centre. As a result, further projects have developed and evolved, and we look forward to sharing these in due course.

Central Quay, Cardiff - We celebrated the next exciting phase of the ongoing redevelopment of the former Brain Brewery site at Central Quay. It’s the latest of several Rio-designed schemes within the wider Central Quay masterplan to receive planning approval with further linked schemes on the drawing board.

Marsh Wall, London - Raising the profile of Cardiff talent in London, we were appointed to design a “vertical village” - a new high-rise building comprising 795 co-living studios and private amenity space on the Isle of Dogs.

STEAM Academy, Bridgend - we celebrated the success of Bridgend College’s STEAM Academy and its benefit to the local community. This project has been shortlisted for multiple projects this year, winning at the RICS Awards in the Community Benefit category and the Education Estates Awards in Manchester in the Project of the Year – Colleges category.

MIPIM - Following a 2-year delay, representing Cardiff at MIPIM, we saw our designs for Atlantic Wharf and Central Quay taking centre stage on the Cardiff stand and within the Leaders speech in Cannes.

The Cardiff Commitment - We continue to support and work with The Cardiff Commitment. We currently sit on Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf’s Business Forum. A scheme that aims to deliver an ‘Experiences of work’ programme and explores the impact of offering a full spectrum and package of ‘experiences of work’ to build sustainable good careers and work-related experiences within schools.

Being recognised as a finalist in these two award categories highlights the achievements of our talented team over the 12 months.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony that are taking place on the 18th of November. We wish the very best of luck to all of the top-quality finalists.