Double Success at Young Professionals Awards!

09 December 2024

Two of our talented apprentices triumphed at the RIBA YAPF Young Professionals Awards on Thursday night!

A huge congratulations to Lee Thackray and Charlotte Walker, who both took home well-deserved trophies, recognising their hard work and dedication as emerging talent in the architectural industry.

The awards, which are brand new this year, celebrate the innovation, commitment, and talent across the Northeast. It was a pleasure to sponsor this event and come together to commemorate the remarkable achievements of young professionals in our region.

Lee received the Architectural Creativity Award for his keen eye for design, attention to detail, and innovative approach to every project we’ve thrown at him! Taking an unconventional route into architecture—with a degree in graphic design followed by a career in carpentry—Lee is now in the final year of his degree apprenticeship, bringing with him a unique skillset and fresh perspective that he uses to elevate every scheme he works on.

Charlotte was awarded the Collaborative Attitude of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication, teamwork, and positive approach to every aspect of her work. Since joining our Newcastle studio in 2022 and now undertaking the MArch Degree Apprenticeship, Charlotte has become an invaluable member of the team, consistently going above and beyond to support her colleagues and contribute to the collective success of every project.

As proud sponsors of the event, we also had the honour of presenting the Wellbeing Champion Award. Katie Shepherd handed the trophy to Chloe Ashurst from Sadler Brown, recognising Chloe’s incredible efforts in promoting health, wellbeing, and a positive work-life balance within her practice.

A big thank you to Tyneside Cinema for hosting us and to everyone on the YAPF Committee, including our very own Alanis Burgess, for organising such a fantastic evening. We can’t wait to see what next year holds!