THE search for the best new or restored building in York is hotting up.

Developers, architects and proud homeowners have just two weeks - until Wednesday March 21 - to enter for the 2018 York Design Awards.

Previous winners of the prestigious awards, which aim to drive up the quality of building design in York, have included the York Theatre Royal, the new Hiscox building, and Phase 2 of Derwenthorpe.

But the Design Awards aren’t just about big, prestige projects. With eight categories, ranging from large commercial developments to community projects, public spaces, conservation schemes and small residential projects, winners can just as easily be a quirky loft extension as a major new public building.

All that matters is that they’re well designed - and have the capacity to delight anyone who looks at them.

York Design Awards chair Janet Hopton said some excellent entries had already been received. “So judging the awards won’t be easy!” she said. “But we’d urge as many people as possible to submit their buildings for independent scrutiny. Don’t miss this chance to be named the best of the best this city has to offer in terms of architecture and design.”

All entries are visited by a four-strong panel of judges, each of whom are distinguished architects. Chairing the judges this year will be Geoff Rich, managing partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley. He’ll be joined by Nicky Rutt of Hawkins Brown; David Heath, the former chair of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings; and new judge Andy Davey, who helped design the new visitor centre at Rievaulx Abbey.

As usual this year, in addition to categories voted on by the judges, Press readers will be able to vote for their own favourite scheme in The Press People’s Award.

All winners will be revealed at a glitzy awards night on Monday June 25 at the University of York’s Ron Cooke Hub.

To find out more visit www.yorkdesignawards.org