by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Two Kent-based architect firms have shared a top prize for their designs.

Shane Jell, Sub Rosa Architecture, Gravesend, was joint winner in the education category of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards, for Heath Farm School, Charing Heath.

James Robson and Bryn Warlow, of Hazle McCormack Young in Tunbridge Wells, shared the honour for The Blencowe Centre at Brambletye School in East Grinstead.

The Downland Prize is awarded annual by the RIBA to architects based in the South or South East RIBA Regions, for projects anywhere in the UK costing less than £1.5 million.

The prize celebrates the added value that an architect brings to a relatively small project, and the "chemistry" between architects, clients, contractors and suppliers of successful buildings.

The Kent winners were among five to receive the honour this year. They were chosen from 91 entries by architects across the south east.

Judges said Heath School's masterplan began an exciting new era.

"The building concept is clear and consistent, with the needs of the school users very well considered.

"The attention to detail leads naturally from the clarity of the masterplan and the resultant teaching spaces are well proportioned, well equipped and develop a vital balance between high levels of natural daylight and the avoidance of distractions to the pupils within.

"Both its innovative design and excellent value for money make this scheme a perfect example of how an architect can provide good value to a client."

The winning projects can be viewed onwww.architecture.com/ribasoutheast/downland. All 19 shortlisted projects are in an exhibition which is available to tour the south east.