In honor of American architect, writer, and lecturer MJ Long, the MJ Long Prize is awarded to a UK-based female architect that has excelled in practice. Now in its second year, the award's inaugural recipient went to Tracy Meller of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. This year, the W Awards announces Alice Brownfield as the 2021 winner. Brownfield is the associate director of Peter Barber Architects and was recognized for her work on the London infill housing project, Kiln Place.

According to Brownfield, the project's success was due to the architects' collaboration with the residents. "What we really need is a central government-funded mass council housing program," says Brownfield. "At Peter Barber Architects, we believe that architecture has the potential for social action."

The Judges for this year's prize discuss Bronwfield's work and her success as a practitioner. "Despite the project’s high degree of complexity, there is a real sense she goes above and beyond what might be required of the brief. Even some of these small moves make a big difference in people’s everyday life. Being so committed to the issue of housing requires a lot of rigor. It is also refreshing to see research undertaken with organizations such as Part W and Action on Empty Homes being brought into practice. Brownfield is a real force."

Brownfield was one of 4 architects shortlisted for the prize. Below is the full list of shortlisted architects.

• Winner: Alice Brownfield of Peter Barber Architects, for Kiln Place, London
• Hannah Anderson of Walters & Cohen, for the St Paul’s School extension, London
• Ingrid Petit of Feilden Fowles, for the Fratry, Carlisle Cathedral
• Naila Yousuf of Wright & Wright, for the Museum of the Home, London

Earlier this year, additional W Awards were presented to notable women in the profession. 

• Jane Drew Prize for Architecture winner 2021: Kate Macintosh
• Ada Louise Huxtable Prize for Contribution to Architecture winner 2021: Lesley Lokko

To learn more about the W Awards click here.