The process of finding a project designer was two-fold. First, designers were invited to submit an expression of interest in taking part in a design competition. A shortlist of potential designers was then drawn up, who were invited to submit their schemes. The final design was chosen from this competitive process.
Submissions of interest
Designers, sculptors and architects throughout the UK, Commonwealth and worldwide were invited to submit expressions of interest in the project in early January 2006.
Each applicant expressing interest in the project was asked to provide the following information with their initial submission:
- A summary of relevant past projects and experience, containing descriptions and illustrations, on not more than two A4 pages;
- Values and timescales of past projects, to demonstrate capability;
- A CV of personal experience;
- A statement of how the project would be approached, describing the applicant's suitability to carry out the project, using not more than two A4 sheets;
- The names of two referees, with contact details.
No other information was considered; all costs relating to the submission of expressions of interest were to be met by the applicants.
Shortlisting and project award process
Expressions of interest were assessed by a panel on the basis of the following criteria and weightings for these criteria:
- Quality of previous work;
- Relevance of previous experience;
- Fee to complete the project;
- Suitability of applicant;
- References.
The initial selection panel comprised: The Keeper of the Privy Purse, The Director of the Royal Collection, The Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales, and The Director of the Property Section, Buckingham Palace.
Having reviewed over 70 expressions of interest, the selection panel put together a shortlist of five designers who were invited to prepare costed proposals. An honorarium of £5,000 was provided to each of the shortlisted designers to assist with their submissions.
The shortlisted designers submitted proposals for consideration by the selection panel and by The Prince of Wales. Selection of the final design was then made.
Panel biographies
The Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales is the eldest son of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, and heir apparent to the throne.
His Royal Highness undertakes a keen and, where possible, active interest in all areas of public life. Each year he carries out a large number of public engagements both in Britain and overseas.
The Prince of Wales is associated as a patron or president with around 200 organisations, covering a wide range of interests and activities: young people, the unemployed, the disabled, the elderly, the problems of the inner cities, education, medicine, the arts, conservation, national heritage, environment, architecture and sport.
Among His Royal Highness's roles in the fields of architecture and heritage, The Prince of Wales is Chairman of the Trustees of the Royal Collection Trust; President of the National Trust; Patron of the Georgian Group and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings; and Founder of The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment.
The Keeper of the Privy Purse, the Royal Household
Sir Alan Reid has been Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to The Queen since 2002, and is also Receiver General of the Duchy of Lancaster.
The Director of the Royal Collection, the Royal Household
Sir Hugh Roberts, KCVO FSA is Director of the Royal Collection and Surveyor of The Queen's Works of Art.
The Principal Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales
Sir Michael Peat has been Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales since 2002. Prior to that he was Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to The Queen for six years.
Director of the Property Section, the Royal Household
Graham Sharpe is responsible for building maintenance, preservation and development in the Royal Household.
