Selection

This opportunity was advertised on the UK Government’s public contracts portal, Find a Tender. During the open first stage, the National Gallery warmly encouraged expressions of interest from the UK and across the globe.

The selection process was managed on behalf of the National Gallery by Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC).

Stage One

This was an open international call for participation that is aimed at attracting the very best architect-led multidisciplinary design teams with the necessary skills and experience to register their interest in the project.

Integrated design teams of architects, structural and services engineers, landscape/​public realm designers and heritage consultants who meet the requirements as noted in the Conditions were invited to submit an Expression of Interest detailing company information; details of the proposed team; and relevant experience. The deadline for first stage responses was 14:00 GMT Thursday 18 March 2021.

Submissions for the first stage were received electronically via the online form.

In April 2021, a shortlist of six design teams was selected to participate in the second stage of the selection process.

Stage Two

At the stage shortlisted design teams were provided with detailed briefing information and invited to attend a virtual briefing seminar. Internationally-based teams were required to propose a UK-based partner as part of their team.

Stage two was a period of project research, design analysis and critical thinking. Shortlisted design teams were asked to concentrate on their approach to design and delivery, reflecting on the requirements of the project as presented within the Design Brief. A design concept was not required.

Following an initial tender submission, workshops were held with each shortlisted design team in order to negotiate on that submission. Feedback was given to all teams, and a further period allowed for refinement before the submission of final tenders.

The Selection Panel met in June 2021 to interview the finalists and selected the team led by Selldorf Architects as the winner of the process.

The Selection Panel included Sir John Kingman KCB FRS (Chair), Acting Chair of the National Gallery Board of Trustees; Dr Gabriele Finaldi, National Gallery Director; David Marks, National Gallery Trustee and Chair of Masterplan Committee; Tonya Nelson, National Gallery Trustee and Chair of Governance Committee; Jane Wernick CBE FREng HonFRIBA, Structural Engineer; Edwin Heathcote, Architecture Critic for The Financial Times; and Ben Bolgar MVO RIBA, Design Director of The Princes Foundation. The Panel was advised by Malcolm Reading RIBA, (HON) FRGS, FRSA, Chairman, MRC.

Each shortlisted team that submitted a compliant entry received £10,000 as a contribution towards the costs of preparing the tender submission and attending the final interview.

Timeline