The awards celebrate design excellence in the county and were first staged in 2003 and are usually held every two years. This year 30 projects were shortlisted in seven categories from more than 60 entries.

Darnley Mausoleum in Cobham won Project of the Year as well as the Conservation & Craftsmanship Category. The shared space scheme in Ashford, which received mixed reviews on its completion, won the Town & Village Renaissance category. The shared space aims to restrict vehicles to 20 miles an hour and give pedestrians and vehicles equal priority.

The awards champion some of the ground-breaking design in residential homes, public buildings including schools, and offices. They also show how fine design can transform people's experience of a building and leave them with a good impression.