An architectural assistant in a busy multi-disciplinary architectural practice has won a major regional award.
Sarah Grocock, at rg+p in Leicester, was announced ‘Best Rising Star’ at the annual fbe (forum for the built environment) East Midlands awards dinner last week (6th October 2016). The Rising Star Award, new for this year, recognises young professionals who are making a significant contribution to the wider construction industry and Sarah was named the inaugural winner after impressing the judges with her academic success and practical experience.
They commented: “Sarah’s contribution to the construction industry is already impressive. She is a true rising star and will undoubtedly go on to influence other young professionals throughout her career. The judging panel was impressed by her boundless energy and commitment to learning and developing her skills. Without question, Sarah has already made a significant contribution to our industry through her work on a range of housing schemes and will no doubt become an influential architect.”
Nominated by her directors, William Smedley and James Badley, Sarah has been working with rg+p since 2012. After graduating from De Montfort University with a first class honours in Architecture, the practice was pleased to sponsor Sarah to complete her Master’s Degree, for which she returned to De Montfort University. Sarah graduated earlier this year, again with first class honours, and her final design thesis project was awarded the ‘Top Design Research Study Prize’ by the Leicester School of Architecture.
Sarah said: “I started working for rg+p four years ago whilst I was studying for my part 1 at the Leicester School of Architecture. Since then, rg+p has been a big part of my training and it has been an enjoyable experience so far. I am hoping to start the part III course next year, through the Leicester School of Architecture, and hopefully fully qualify as an architect.
“I was honoured to be nominated for the award and I am still surprised that I won! I always try to work hard to manage and design the projects I am involved with in the best interests of our clients, end users and the environment. I’m incredibly flattered by the judges’ kind words and would like to thank all my mentors and colleagues at rg+p who have supported me and given me such a great start to my career.”
Some of Sarah’s recent projects have included affordable housing schemes in East Northamptonshire for Spire Homes and in Corby for Willmott Dixon Housing.
The fbe East Midlands Awards are now in their fifth year and are designed to highlight and celebrate the schemes and teams from across the East Midlands construction industry. Held annually at Leicester’s City Rooms, this year’s event attracted over 150 guests and raised £1,800 for NSPCC.
