Part of the W Awards program, the annual MJ Long Prize for Excellence in Practice recognizes UK-based architects excelling in practice. Last year's prize was awarded to Alice Brownfield of Peter Barber Architects. Now in its third iteration, this year's award recipient is Fiona Monkman of Islington Architects for her work on the Centurion Close social housing block in London.

Monkman is the design team leader at Islington Architects, a part of the architecture department at Islington Council. A site that was deemed "unviable for developers" was transformed thanks to the leadership of Monkman and her team. The housing project added eight two-bedroom council flats to the existing estate, helping address much-needed housing solutions within inner London.

AR writer Ruth Lang commented on Monkman's work on Centurion Close stating: "What is most evident is that beyond her skills in strategic spatial intervention, the value Monkman brings to her role is an iterative process based on listening and developing empathy with Islington residents. Since these projects are undertaken via a traditional procurement route — as opposed to design and build — she is involved in the strategic development stage, provides a point of contact on-site throughout construction, and sees the project through to post-occupancy. As a result, much of her practice is spent talking to those who have moved into these schemes, and providing a feedback loop to inform the improvement of Islington’s housing stock."

Comments from the judges focus on how the project is "able to infiltrate the nooks and crannies of Caledonian Road" and how "this work could and should be replicated elsewhere." Commenting on Monkman's role and leadership, the judges added: "Fiona Monkman shows that tenacity is the way to do it and get things done."

Monkman was one of four architects shortlisted for the prize. Below is the full list of shortlisted architects.

• Winner: Fiona Monkman of Islington Architects, for Centurion Close, London
• Shortlisted: Sophie Mitchell of Nissen Richards Studio, for Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
• Shortlisted: Hannah Stringer of AOC, for the National Archives, London
• Shortlisted: Anne Wynne of DSDHA, for the National Youth Theatre, London

To learn more about the W Awards and this year's winners click here.