Young Architect or Design Professional of the Year

Celebrating a young architect or design professional who has made significant contributions to the built environment through innovative design, creative thinking, and meaningful impact.

Marina Strotz – Coda Workshop

Overview

Architect and horticulturist Marina Strotz, Associate Director at Coda Workshop, has established herself as one of the most dynamic and community-driven young professionals in the UK. Leading a portfolio of projects that blend architecture, landscape, and social engagement, she is redefining how spaces can nurture both people and nature. From the £4 million Erdington Baths redevelopment to the National Trust’s pocket parks across East Birmingham, Marina’s work consistently connects sustainability with social purpose.

Why They Stood Out

Architect and horticulturist Marina Strotz, Associate Director at Coda Workshop, has established herself as one of the most dynamic and community-driven young professionals in the UK. Leading a portfolio of projects that blend architecture, landscape, and social engagement, she is redefining how spaces can nurture both people and nature. From the £4 million Erdington Baths redevelopment to the National Trust’s pocket parks across East Birmingham, while working as Associate Director of Intervention Architecture, Marina’s work consistently connects sustainability with social purpose.

Associate Director leading regeneration and placemaking at Coda Workshop
Project Architect for Intervention Architecture’s Erdington Baths £4m transformation into a community enterprise hub during time of submission
Directed East Birmingham Pocket Parks, engaging 140+ residents in co-design for Intervention Architecture
RHS Gold Winner 2023 for Wander and Wonder therapeutic garden.
Former BAA President; created BAA Student Awards for emerging architects.
Mentors Part III candidates; judge and lecturer advocating inclusive, climateconscious design.
Named RIBA Rising Star 2024 for her contribution to social and sustainable architecture.

Highlights

• Associate Director leading regeneration and placemaking at Intervention Architecture.
• Architect behind the Erdington Baths £4m transformation into a community enterprise hub.
• Directed East Birmingham Pocket Parks, engaging 140+ residents in co-design.
• RHS Gold Winner 2023 for Wander and Wonder therapeutic garden.
• Former BAA President; created BAA Student Awards for emerging architects.
• Mentors Part III candidates; judge and lecturer advocating inclusive, climateconscious design.
• Named RIBA Rising Star 2024 for her contribution to social and sustainable architecture.

Niina Grinsted – Ridge and Partners LLP

Overview

Niina Grinsted, Chartered Architectural Technologist and Building Regulations Surveyor at Ridge and Partners LLP, is a leading voice in technical excellence, safety, and regulatory innovation. Combining design understanding with deep compliance knowledge, she ensures projects meet the highest standards under the Building Safety Act while maintaining aesthetic integrity and client confidence.

Why They Stood Out

Niina has achieved remarkable career progress just five years post-graduation, earning

Chartered status with both CIAT and CABE while shaping Ridge’s internal regulatory practices. Her work on Department for Levelling Up projects and Section 106 community developments demonstrates her commitment to building safer, more accessible environments. Beyond project delivery, Niina mentors colleagues, leads skills-sharing sessions, and contributes to Ridge’s BSA Steering Group, where she is helping define national best practice for the new Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) role. Her dedication to upskilling the industry, advocacy for safety, and public engagement — including her upcoming appearance as an Architectural Expert at Grand Designs Live — position her as an influential future leader in the profession.

Highlights

• Dual chartered: CIAT Architectural Technologist & CABE Building Engineer.
• Leads Building Safety Act compliance and BRPD guidance at Ridge.
• Delivered major public and community projects under Department for Levelling Up.
• Hosts in-house skills sessions to mentor and upskill team members. •          Actively shaping new BRPD standards through Ridge’s BSA Steering Group.
• Completed NEBOSH Construction Management & HSE Excellence certifications.
• Guest Architectural Expert at Grand Designs Live 2025.

Laura Mills – Powell Design & Construction Ltd

Overview

As a Junior Architectural Assistant at Powell Design & Construction Ltd, Laura Mills has quickly proven herself to be an exceptional emerging professional. Joining during her practical year out from university, she took on responsibilities well beyond expectation — managing project timelines, coordinating office and site communication, and improving team processes with maturity and precision.

Why They Stood Out

Laura’s professionalism, initiative, and creativity have made her indispensable to her team. She’s streamlined operations, led weekly team meetings, and introduced new internal systems that have enhanced efficiency and collaboration across departments. Beyond her technical skills, Laura demonstrates a genuine passion for mentoring and community outreach. Her involvement in the ‘Architects in the Making’ workshop saw her teaching children aged 6– 10 about design and model-making, inspiring the next generation of architects. Judges commended her poise, drive, and leadership at such an early stage in her career.

Highlights

• Manages project timelines and communications between site and office.
• Leads weekly team meetings to improve workflow and collaboration.
• Created internal systems that enhanced project efficiency and accuracy.
• Designed company marketing materials including bespoke architectural cards.
• Delivered ‘Architects in the Making’ workshops for aspiring young designers.
• Recognised for professionalism, creativity, and early leadership promise.
• Returning to university with distinction after transformative practical experience.

Each of these talented finalists demonstrates that architecture’s future is bright — not only through innovation in design, but through empathy, mentorship, and purpose. From revitalising historic buildings and community landscapes to shaping safer, more inclusive design standards, their contributions redefine what it means to build for people and planet alike.