Young Architect or Design Professional of the Year — Winner: Previously Marina Strotz, Intervention Architecture Ltd
Marina Strotz has been named Young Architect or Design Professional of the Year, recognised for her exceptional design talent, her commitment to socially conscious architecture, and her remarkable impact on communities, clients, and the wider profession.
Marina stands out as a designer whose work extends well beyond buildings—she creates places with meaning, purpose, and lasting social value. Her leadership, creativity, and dedication to inclusive, sustainable design made her an outstanding winner in this category.
Why She Won
While Associate Director at Intervention Architecture, Marina’s leadership on the East Birmingham pocket parks initiative, is a testament to her ability to bring communities together through design. She engaged over 140 local residents—many from marginalised backgrounds—in co-designing green spaces that have since become places of pride, connection, and wellbeing.
As Associate Director at Intervention Architecture, Marina has spearheaded significant heritage-led and urban regeneration projects, including as project Architect for the current £4m redevelopment of Erdington Baths into an enterprise hub anchored in community need.
Marina’s blend of architectural expertise and horticultural knowledge sets her apart. As part of a small collective, she created the Gold-winning Wander and Wonder garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live—now permanently installed at an NHS mental health facility—exemplifies her belief in nature-based design as a tool for healing, resilience, and well-being.
From mentoring Part III candidates to lecturing, judging national awards, and a key collaborator in the co-creation of a climate education board game, Marina has continually invested in the next generation of designers, ensuring that young voices feel heard and supported.”
Marina’s work exemplifies what modern architectural practice should look like: collaborative, community-led, environmentally aware, and deeply human in its approach. Judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of her contributions—from landmark regeneration schemes to grassroots projects that directly empower local people.
At an early stage in her career, Marina has already demonstrated influence, innovation, and maturity far beyond her years.
What Set Her Apart
Transformative Community Impact
Marina’s leadership on the East Birmingham pocket parks initiative is a testament to her ability to bring communities together through design. She engaged over 140 local residents—many from marginalised backgrounds—in co-designing green spaces that have since become places of pride, connection, and wellbeing.
Her work not only improved physical environments but also gave people the agency to shape the spaces they live in.
Regeneration Shaped by Social Purpose
As Associate Director at Intervention Architecture, Marina has spearheaded significant heritage-led and urban regeneration projects, including the £4m redevelopment of Erdington Baths into an enterprise hub anchored in community need.
Her vision goes beyond architectural form—she ensures projects deliver genuine, long-term social value.
Excellence in Sustainable Design
Marina’s blend of architectural expertise and horticultural knowledge sets her apart. Her Gold-winning Wander and Wonder garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live—now permanently installed at an NHS mental health facility—exemplifies her belief in nature-based design as a tool for healing, resilience, and well-being.
Leadership in the Profession
As a former President of the Birmingham Architectural Association, Marina revitalised one of the UK’s most active architectural communities. She established the BAA Student Awards, created pathways for emerging designers, and championed diversity and inclusion across the profession.
Dedication to Mentorship and Education
From mentoring Part III candidates to lecturing, judging national awards, and co-creating a climate education board game, Marina has continually invested in the next generation of designers, ensuring that young voices feel heard and supported.
The Impact
Marina’s work has redefined what it means to be a young design professional today. She demonstrates that architecture can be:
- socially conscious
- community-empowering
- environmentally restorative
- and rooted in empathy as much as innovation
Her projects uplift communities, her leadership elevates the profession, and her advocacy challenges the industry to be more equitable and sustainable.
Marina Strotz is not only a rising talent—she is already shaping the future of architecture in profound and meaningful ways.
An exceptional and deserving winner of Young Architect or Design Professional of the Year.