Rising Star of the Year

The Rising Star of the Year finalists reflect the next generation of construction talent — innovators, engineers, architects, and leaders redefining what’s possible. From fire safety and design to surveying and project management, these individuals bring technical excellence, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to positive change that proves the industry’s future is in exceptional hands.

Sonny White – Aster Group

Overview

At just 19, Sonny White is already shaping the fire safety landscape. A Building Safety Officer with Aster Group, he manages high-risk residential buildings while also consulting for A W Fire Ltd. His early fascination with building safety inspired him to author the Fire Industry Association’s Guidance Note on Fire Alarm Design for those with Sensory Sensitivities — written at only 15 years old.

Why They Stood Out

Sonny’s rare blend of compassion, intellect, and technical ability has made him a voice for inclusion in fire safety. His IFSM-funded research into fire alarm design for neurodiverse occupants is already influencing manufacturers. Judges praised his leadership, grounded in evidence, empathy, and professionalism far beyond his years.

Highlights

• Authored FIA Guidance Note on fire alarms for sensory sensitivities (age 15).
• Conducted IFSM-funded research across special schools.
• Featured in CABE’s Building Engineer magazine.
• Speaker at London Build 2024 and Fire Safety Event 2026.
• Finalist: Aico Community Awards (2022 & 2024) and Fire Safety Matters 2023.
• Member, ASFP Young Leaders Group; active mentor via LinkedIn.

Kate Moran – EQUANS

Overview

Kate Moran began her journey on Wates’ management trainee programme, discovering a passion for quantity surveying that led her to EQUANS in 2022. Now a qualified Quantity Surveyor, she commercially leads the £20 million BISF Scheme — a large-scale retrofit programme improving homes across Birmingham.

Why They Stood Out

Kate has quickly established herself as a commercial powerhouse — detail-driven, unflappable, and collaborative. She personally led design and pricing discussions normally reserved for senior QSs, ensuring projects were delivered on time and within budget. Judges praised her drive, technical fluency, and ability to earn client trust early in her career.

Highlights

• Commercial lead on £20 m BISF retrofit.
• Master’s in Quantity Surveying completed while working full-time.
• Progressing toward RICS Chartership.
• Graduate of EQUANS New Horizons leadership programme.
• Mentored by Regional MD Jake Fellows.
• Prominent advocate for women in construction.

Qada Francis – Morro Partnerships

Overview

Since joining Morro Partnerships in 2022, Qada Francis has rapidly progressed from trainee to Assistant Site Manager, supporting the delivery of complex residential projects such as Ladywood Middleway. His responsibilities span programming, quality, safety, and community engagement.

Why They Stood Out

Qada’s combination of technical skill and social purpose sets him apart. He established Morro’s partnership with the Reuse Hub Wolverhampton, diverting 15 tonnes of surplus materials from landfill. Judges highlighted his maturity, leadership, and mentorship of apprentices — qualities that make him both a role model and an asset to the industry.

Highlights

• Promoted to Assistant Site Manager (2025) after 60-plot completion.
• Super-user for new defects-management software.
• Founder of Reuse Hub donation scheme (15 tonnes diverted).
• Mentor to early-careers colleagues; proposed CITB Construction Ambassador.
• Enrolled on Level 6 Construction Management Degree Apprenticeship.

Larisa Frangulea – Berkeley Group

Overview

Apprentice Site Manager Larisa Frangulea plays a vital role at Berkeley Capital’s

Woodberry Down Regeneration in Hackney — one of the UK’s most ambitious estate renewal projects. She manages quality, safety and sequencing across multi-block developments, ensuring sustainability and inclusion are embedded on site.

Why They Stood Out

Larisa’s initiative and leadership have seen her deliver 60 flats to director-sign-off while championing mental health and wellbeing on site. Her calm professionalism and innovative sequencing solutions improved productivity despite adverse weather. Judges applauded her dual commitment to technical excellence and people-focused leadership.

Highlights

• Director sign-off achieved on 60 flats.
• Certified Mental Health First Aider and Fire Safety Coordinator.
• Leads Apprentice Grand Challenge community project.
• Organised site-wide wellbeing tournaments for 100+ workers.
• Apprentice Champion at Woodberry Down; active on PLOY careers platform.

Marina Strotz – Coda Workshop

Overview

Architect & horticulturist Marina Strotz, Associate Director at Coda Workshop, leads community-driven regeneration and sustainability projects including the £4 m Erdington Baths revival and National Trust Pocket Parks across East Birmingham. Her work blends architecture, landscape, and social impact.

Why They Stood Out

Architect & horticulturist Marina Strotz, Associate Director at Coda Workshop, leads community-driven regeneration and sustainability projects. While Associate Director at Intervention Architecture, she led £4 m Erdington Baths revival and National Trust Pocket Parks across East Birmingham. Her work blends architecture, landscape, and social impact.

Lead architect for Erdington Baths Enterprise Hub and Pocket Parks programme while Associate Director at Intervention Architecture
Former President – Birmingham Architectural Association.
Creator of “Wander and Wonder” Garden – Gold Winner, BBC Gardener’s World Live 2023.
key collaborator in the co-creation and co-development of ‘Climania’ climate change education game.Named RIBA Rising Star 2024; finalist in multiple national awards.

Highlights

• Lead architect for Erdington Baths Enterprise Hub and Pocket Parks programme.
• Former President – Birmingham Architectural Association.
• Creator of “Wander and Wonder” Garden – Gold Winner, BBC Gardener’s World Live 2023.
• Co-creator of Climania – climate-education board game.
• Named RIBA Rising Star 2024; finalist in multiple national awards.

Joe Toguri – VINCI Building

Overview

Having joined VINCI Building as a general operative, Joe Toguri quickly rose to become a

Technical Apprentice managing key on-site operations while studying for a Construction Management degree. He now oversees subcontractor coordination, setting-out, and safety across complex healthcare projects.

Why They Stood Out

Joe’s journey from labourer to lead apprentice embodies grit and growth. When a project manager left mid-programme, Joe took charge of site delivery and successfully completed the handover. Judges commended his leadership, initiative, and ability to perform with composure beyond his experience level.

Highlights

• Delivered £30 m MSCP for UHNM NHS Trust.
• Led handover of Holistic Care Centre scheme.
• Spoke at VINCI National Conference on apprenticeship pathways.
• Certified First Aider, Fire Marshal, Temporary Works Coordinator.
• Leads outreach in schools and colleges promoting construction careers.

Jay Archibald – BAM Nuttall

Overview

Graduate Apprentice Civil Engineer Jay Archibald is helping deliver the Creag Dhubh Substation — a vital element of Scotland’s 275 kV transmission upgrade. His role spans surveying, setting-out, and quality control, underpinned by a strong focus on sustainability and digital engineering.

Why They Stood Out

Jay’s technical acumen and professionalism have already earned him company-wide recognition. During the Retro Beam Bridge installation, he led geotechnical verification and setting-out to millimetre precision, resolving stability issues and keeping the programme on track. His leadership in digital workflows and mentoring of fellow apprentices underline his potential as a future industry leader.

Highlights

• Delivered key civil-engineering works at Creag Dhubh and Kinardochy Substations.
• Led Retro Beam Bridge setting-out and geotechnical assessment.
• Produced handover documentation ensuring zero client queries.
• Champion for BIM 360 and AutoCAD adoption across site teams.
• Winner of BAM Nuttall Most Promising Employee (2024).
• Mentor and role model for early-career engineers.

Lydia Fry – Wilten Construction Ltd

Overview

After switching careers four years ago, Lydia Fry has become a standout Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Wilten Construction. Managing commercial delivery across multiple industrial and commercial schemes, she balances full-time work with an MSc in Quantity Surveying.

Why They Stood Out

Lydia’s analytical precision and people-focused mindset have driven exceptional project outcomes. On the Brioche Pasquier scheme, she spearheaded design collaboration that delivered £2 million in client savings. Judges applauded her innovation, leadership, and advocacy for women’s advancement within the sector.

Highlights

• Managed 11 projects across industrial & commercial sectors.
• Achieved £2 m value-engineered savings on Brioche Pasquier scheme.
• Completed MSc in Quantity Surveying alongside full-time role.
• Participant in Women in Leadership (CMI Level 7) programme.
• Mentor and speaker at schools & careers events.
• Implemented AI-based ProcurePro system to improve project efficiency.

Wrap-Up

From fire safety to civil engineering, from architecture to commercial management, these Rising Star finalists prove that the industry’s brightest future lies in curiosity, courage, and commitment. They are not waiting to lead — they already are.