There was also a British Empire Medal for Department for Education architect Beech Williamson, who tragically died this Christmas, aged 64, shortly after finding out about his honours nomination.Clegg is known for his pioneering work in sustainable design over a 45-year career which has placed him at the forefront of environmentally responsible and socially conscious building practices.The architect set up the practice in 1978 with the late Richard Feilden, who was himself awarded an OBE 25 years ago for his work in community architecture. Early projects focused on energy efficiency and innovative use of materials, leading to a series of significant projects, including the headquarters for environmental charities such as Greenpeace, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust.Advertisement Source:Simon DolingNational Trust HQ (completed 2005) by FCBSThe pair were later joined at the practice by Keith Bradley, and in 2008 FCBS won the RIBA Stirling Prize as head of the team behind the Accordia housing project in Cambridge.Clegg said the OBE acknowledged the long history of the practice in promoting environmentally and socially responsible architecture.He added: Architecture is a collaborative discipline, and the recognition needs to be shared by the hundreds of people over the years that have been part of the practice and the thousands of consultants contractors and clients that have worked on projects that have allowed us to explore a new approach to architectural design.The announcement of Williamsons award came as the sad news broke of his death over the Christmas holiday.An architect in the Department for Educations design, operations and infrastructure group, Williamson was known for his forensic knowledge and early adoption of technology in design. He joined the department in the early 1980s as an architectural assistant and was instrumental in cross-party work around standardisation, modern methods of construction and net zero carbon.AdvertisementTogether with his wife and department colleague Alison Wadsworth he played a pivotal role in setting the parameters for school design. Source:Jen Singer/Department for EducationBeech WilliamsonMore recently and before his retirement last year, Williamson strove for better outdoor spaces on school sites and to improve the standard of building provision to benefit children with special educational needs (SEND).According to a post on the Department for Education's website: A devoted father and husband, Beech died over the festive period after a period of illness, surrounded by his family.Among the other recipients of honours were: former Battersea Power Station Development Company chief executive Simon Murphy, who was awarded an OBE for services to real estate, heritage, and the community in London; and industrial designer Tom Dixon, who became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Dixon is best known for his furniture and lighting.There was also an award for Malcolm Reading, of global architectural competition organisers Malcolm Reading Consultants, who received the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by the King for services to the Sovereign Grant Audit and Risk.The organisation is currently running the contest to find an 'exceptionally dedicated and inspired multidisciplinary team' to create a landmark memorial masterplan celebrating Queen Elizabeth II.