Leaders in construction and housing, including the head of Battersea Power Station’s development department and the head of Springfield, were recognized in the New Year's Honours list.
Simon Murphy, who served as the Executive Director of Battersea Power Station Development Company until March 2024, was awarded an OBE for his contributions to real estate, cultural heritage, and community initiatives in London.
Reflecting on his role, he said: “It has been a great honor to have been part of delivering such a special addition to London’s skyline.
While it has not been without its challenges, these were far outweighed by the many incredible moments, such as bringing a Grade II-listed iconic building back to life after a meticulous restoration and collaborating with Transport for London to deliver the first expansion of the London Underground for 25 years.”
Murphy worked on the Battersea Power Station redevelopment for 11 years, six of which he served as CEO, overseeing the completion of the first three key phases of the project.
Amos Simbo, founder of Black Professionals in Construction, was awarded an OBE for his services to the construction industry and for promoting diversity. Simbo is the Managing Director and founder of Winway Group, an independent consultancy specializing in monitoring and evaluation.
In response, he said: “I am truly pleased to have been awarded an OBE during the King’s New Year Honours, which celebrates construction. It is an immense honour to be part of the sector, contributing to inclusion for individuals and small businesses – showing how the industry is truly at the heart of building communities.”
Sharon Philomena Smith, Executive Director of Procurement for the Northern Ireland Civil Service, received a CBE for her services to procurement.
The head of Springfield Properties, Alexander William Adam, received an OBE for his services to the construction sector in Scotland.
In the planning sector, Dr. Wei Yang and Paul David Hudson also received OBEs. Yang is Executive Director of the Digital Target Group for Planning and a member of the Government’s New Towns Target Group, while Hudson served as a planning advisor in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
In architecture, Peter Clegg, Senior Partner and co-founder of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, was awarded an OBE for his services to architecture.
Clegg co-founded Feilden Clegg Design with Richard Feilden in 1978. His work in the practice included designing headquarters for environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, National Trust, and Woodland Trust.