Celebrating Young Talent at the Inaugural YAPF Young Professional Awards

On Thursday night, the North East's architectural community came together for the inaugural Young Professional Awards, hosted by YAPF (Young Architect Professional Forum) at the Tyneside Cinema. This special event was an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent emerging in the region, with four of our very own SPACE Architects nominated and shortlisted in six categories.

SPACE are proud to announce that Part I Architectural Assistant Jade Atkins won the Culture Change Award, while our Part II Architectural Degree Apprentice Brook Wilkinson received Highly Commended recognition in two categories: Apprentice of the Year and Collaborative Attitude.

The night also saw Catherine Sinclair and Charlie Kay among those shortlisted for their respective categories. Catherine, a specialist in whole-life carbon reduction and one of this year's RIBAJ's Rising Stars, was recognised for her Future Leader and Research Excellence efforts. Meanwhile, Charlie Kay was shortlisted in both Apprentice of the Year and Collaborative Attitude categories.

Jade's Culture Change Award win was a well-deserved recognition of her ongoing efforts to drive positive change within the profession. Known for her friendly and supportive nature, Jade has become a go-to person within the office for advice and guidance. As the host of Archipod, Jade's podcast, she discusses a myriad of pressing architectural topics, such as sustainability, the role of women in architecture, and well-being. Jade's work with Archipod plays a pivotal role in making architecture more accessible and engaging, inviting industry experts and peers to discuss key issues. Through these discussions, Jade has been able to explore critical themes around the future of architecture, providing genuine perspectives and valuable insights to a broad audience of listeners. Earlier this year, Jade also received a commendation in the tenth and final Jonathan Speirs Scholarship for 2022/23. This prestigious scholarship, alongside her work at SPACE, supports her continuing education in lighting design, specifically focusing on the role of lighting in climate-neutral and socially sensitive architecture. Another standout contribution is that Jade has taken the initiative to lead the office's 3D printer technical capabilities. This decision has enhanced the quality of services offered to clients and also supported the creative and technical development of the practice.

Jade is deeply committed to promoting architecture and creating an inclusive, dynamic, and supportive environment for her colleagues and beyond. Reflecting on the event, Jade said,"One of my favourite things about this event was the open celebration of young talent in the North East. Seeing so many inspiring people in one room is truly a very special experience, and I am very thankful to be a part of this community."

Brook Wilkinson's recognition at the awards highlighted her growth and dedication as a Part II Architectural Degree Apprentice. Brook has consistently shown a strong commitment to her role and professional development, balancing academic studies with practical work experience. From her meticulous approach to projects to her collaborative attitude, Brook has made a substantial impact at SPACE Architects. Brook's contributions to the design and planning of various school projects, such as Woodham Academy (the region's first net-zero carbon-in-operation school), Callerton Academy, and Woodlands Academy, demonstrate her technical expertise and passion for more sustainable architecture. Brook's collaborative spirit shines through in her work alongside other team members. Notably, she recently worked with Jade Atkins, Sarah Bedwell and Joanna Wylie on the Gingerbread Street project, which raised funds for a homeless charity in the North East. This collaboration reflects Brook's dedication to creating a positive impact, both professionally and within her community. She had the opportunity to meet students from Callerton Academy in person ahead of the completion of their new school, which is one of the SPACE projects she has contributed to and supported.

To quote SPACE Architect Joanna Wylie, "Brook is an exceptional apprentice, and we are confident that she has a bright future ahead in her career. She is a reliable team member who is always a pleasure to work with. Her thoroughness is remarkable – she takes the time to fully understand the assignment and its broader context before diving into a task. Brook's attention to detail is second to none, and she approaches every project with professionalism, care, and diligence. We've seen Brook develop greatly over the course of her apprenticeship, showing capabilities far beyond her stage in the education sector. Recently, she has also taken on the responsibility of supporting our new Part 1 apprentice with care, all while managing her workload and excelling in her university projects. Brook consistently strives for excellence, and we're so proud to have her as part of the team."

Following the awards night, Brook shared, "I am delighted to have been awarded highly commended across two categories at the RIBA YAPF Young Professional Awards. Big thanks to the team I am surrounded with each day at SPACE for their support, and many thanks to all those who put together, ran and contributed to the event."

Alongside Jade and Brook, Charlie Kay was shortlisted in the Collaborative Attitude and Apprentice of the Year categories. Charlie's ability to balance multiple tasks and deliver high-quality results has been particularly evident in his work on various projects. Beyond his technical skills, Charlie's proactive attitude and initiative shine. He delivered a compelling Thinking Thursday presentation on Green Infrastructure to the entire office, and he also presented at the second design review for Oxbridge Lane Primary School, demonstrating his readiness to contribute to critical project milestones. Whether tackling planning applications, Building Regulations, or tender processes, he demonstrates a robust understanding of architectural practice. His ability to multi-task is unparalleled, and he consistently manages competing priorities with efficiency and precision.

Catherine Sinclair was shortlisted for both the Future Leader and Research Excellence categories at the YAPF Young Professional Awards. As a Passivhaus Designer and Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate at SPACE Architects, Catherine has been at the forefront of sustainable design, pioneering the development of the SPACE Digital Carbon Model. This innovative tool integrates embodied and operational carbon analysis in the early design stages, helping architects make informed, low-carbon decisions from the outset. Ahead of the nomination, Jade Atkins shared her admiration for Catherine, saying, "Getting to work directly with and learn from Catherine has been one of the most notable experiences for me at SPACE. Her work is truly inspiring, and I am so grateful to witness her contributions firsthand." Catherine's commitment to research and education, along with her groundbreaking approach to sustainability, makes her a leading figure in the field. Her recent presentation at the European Conference on Computing in Construction (EC3) in Crete, along with her active role in _shift, demonstrates her dedication to advancing the industry through innovation and knowledge sharing.

The YAPF Young Professional Awards were a fantastic celebration of talent and collaboration within the North East architecture community. It was a wonderful evening that brought together young professionals from across the region to celebrate the present achievements and future potential of the next generation.

At SPACE Architects, we couldn't be more proud of the accomplishments of Jade, Brook, Charlie, and Catherine. We look forward to seeing how their careers unfold, knowing they will continue to make an indelible mark on the profession and their projects.

Congratulations again to all the nominees and winners of the YAPF Young Professional Awards. It serves as a true reminder of the vibrant and talented community to which we belong, and we look forward to the continued success of this event in years to come.