AJ Small Projects 2026 will offer a first look inside the landmark new building by O’Donnell + Tuomey at the university as the debut public event at the newly revamped and extended architecture school.
It is also first time in the awards’ 31-year-history that they have taken place outside London.
The Dublin-based O’Donnell + Tuomey’s 3,000m2, three-storey extension – built on a former car park – sits alongside a remodelling of the school’s existing accommodation, including its 1930s home, designed by Charles Reilly. The new extension features interconnected studios, exhibition areas, teaching spaces, offices and a café – all designed to foster creativity and learning.
The space will showcase the awards’ shortlist of inventive, low-budget architecture through a month-long exhibition, kicking off with the launch event and an evening of networking on Thursday 30 April 2026.
O’Donnell + Tuomey’s new school of architecture at Liverpool University
Run in association with Marley, which has sponsored the awards for 15 years, AJ Small Projects spotlights schemes delivered for £399,000 or less, demonstrating that limited budgets can produce bold, impactful design.
From home extensions and pavilions to workplaces and community projects, the projects always exemplify a ‘small-cost, big-idea’ approach, celebrating the best of smaller, low-budget architecture.
This year, the 20-strong shortlist, which will be announced on Thursday 23 April, will be presented during a live, crit-style judging session on the day – open to students to watch – as well as on display at the exhibition, which is due to stay in the venue until May. All entries will be showcased in the recently relaunched AJ Buildings Library.
Over three decades, AJ Small Projects has become a stage for emerging and independent practices, with past winners – including Carmody Groarke and Haworth Tompkins – going on to achieve national and international recognition.
Last year’s trio of winners
Last year three practices jointly won the AJ Small Projects Award. Winners Material Cultures working with Central Saint Martins, OEB Architects and WonKy were selected from 30 shortlisted schemes on the award’s 30th anniversary.
The trio of schemes were considered best in class, with judges recognising the separate strengths of all three winning schemes in terms of environmental sustainability, social purpose and materiality.
The Liverpool event – at which this year’s winners will be announced – is free to attend and offers an opportunity to explore one of the UK’s most talked-about new academic buildings this year while discovering upcoming architectural talent. The judges will be announced soon.
More details on the event and how to book tickets can be found here. We urge anyone wishing to attend to secure their place early.
Details
Where? School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, 25 Abercromby Square, Liverpool L69 7ZN
When? 6-9pm, Thursday 30 April 2026
How to book? Register for your FREE ticket here
AJ Small Projects is sponsored by
