HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Ze'ev, Julian and their teams at Borough Architects and Inti Construction for winning the 2023 CFCI 'Best new building under 2m' award for their project at 51-53 Argyle St, Cambridge!

As a local to this project, I was thrilled when Ze'ev asked me to photograph it back in 2022. After seeing the care and dedication that went into its construction, I was eager to help showcase the skills and craftsmanship involved through careful and patient photography. The images would ultimately be used to help with archives, bids for future work and submissions for awards. It was an honour to play my part in helping turn the judges eyes and attention to the project, and I'm thrilled with the deserved success they have achieved. I hope this project leads to many more opportunities to work together, creating positive outcomes in 2023 and beyond. Well done to all those involved in the build.

Want to see more? There are more photos from the project on my website here.

Some thoughts on Industry Awards and Photography

There is no doubt that winning industry awards is a significant milestone for architects and design firms. They not only validate hard work but bring with them numerous benefits, such as increased credibility, exposure, a competitive edge, and even improved employee morale and retention.

As part of winning these awards, the presentation of the project submission is also essential, and high-quality photography plays a critical role in achieving recognition for excellence in the field.

First and foremost, high-quality photography shows the design and aesthetics of the project, highlighting creativity and attention to detail. Judges and clients are drawn to projects that are visually appealing, and through experience in being part of submissions which subsequently won RIBA National Awards and RIBA House of the Year titles, I've seen first-hand that photographs can make all the difference.

If you know me or have worked with me before, you'll probably have heard me banging on about the importance of putting the same energy and commitment to image making during the work-in-progress stage. This isn't just because I'd like to generate a larger invoice, it's that high-quality photography tells the story of the project, showcasing the design process, problems overcome, inspiration, and impact. Judges and clients are also interested in the backstory of the project, where it's come from, why it's changing and photographs do help convey the project's narrative, vision and delivery.

Judges and clients want to see the project close up, highlighting the firm's attention to detail and commitment to excellence and consistency. They often look for projects that demonstrate a high level of craft; quality photography, well planned and thought through, showcase this.

One of the challenges that architects and design firms face is how to present their projects in the best possible light. It can be time-consuming and stressful to try and capture the perfect photograph or set that demonstrates the true design, creativity, and impact of the project. This is where a professional architectural photographer like me can be an important asset.

By working with together, architects and design firms can have the worry of how their projects should be presented from a visual point of view removed.

Moreover, working with Richard Fraser Photography means that architects and design firms can save time and resources. My approach means that I can work carefully and with skill and experience across a range of uses and designs, always delivering high-quality photographs that meet your requirements.

Richard Fraser Photography can be an excellent resource for architects and design firms who want to present their projects in the best possible light. By working with a professional architectural photographer, firms can ensure that their projects are captured in a way that showcases their work in its best light. Whilst there are greater roles at play with architecture and design; namely the appreciation of space, how we use it and how we feel within our designed environments, industry awards, increased exposure, and a competitive edge in the market are always useful tools in creating and maintaining a successful practice.