The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
This new accolade celebrates emerging talent in AJ100 practices – individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the success of a particular project, to the culture of the practice in general, or to the wider profession.
There are three categories: Part 1 architectural assistant, Part 2 architectural assistant, and New Architect (for architects who qualified in 2022 or 2023). Four are shortlisted in each.
In the Part 1 category, Rachel Levy is a sustainability ambassador at AtkinsRéalis and is lead secondee for LETI’s circular economy group.
Alice Lindquist has been nominated by her practice dMFK for her ‘pivotal’ role on the reimagination of the 45 Whitfield Street workspace.
Saf Salim advocates for junior team members at Buckley Gray Yeoman and is praised for his ‘exceptional efforts’ supporting new team members as they transition into practice.
Chetwoods nominated Ellen Willis for being ‘instrumental’ in advancing sustainability within the practice since she joined in 2022, citing her expertise in materials research, the circular economy, embodied carbon, and her WELL Accredited Professional certification.
Marian Alkali at AtkinsRéalis is one of four contenders in the Part 2 category. She delivered a new assessment methodology for Child-Friendly Cities as part of a 12-month secondment to the practice’s research and innovation team. The research was presented at the Healthy City Design Congress attended by practitioners and researchers in urban planning.
jmarchitects praised Elliot Downs as an ‘exceptional and reliable all-rounder’ who has played a pivotal role in bids and competitions. He is currently working on a large-scale Build-to-Rent project at Bonnington Road Lane in Edinburgh.
Zuzanna Grodzka was nominated by Studio PDP, who praised her involvement in the refurbishment of a prestigious Grade II-listed building, as well as her use of specialist software to predict thermal performance and moisture movement through the proposed external fabric.
Evie Martin was nominated for her work to enhance the inclusivity of graphics at BDP, where she created The BDP People Library. This includes customisable illustrations of 100 characters reflecting various protected characteristics.
In the New Architect category, Buckley Gray Yeoman praised Alla Elmahadi for her ‘remarkable contribution’ to the practice through project work and extensive involvement in public engagement. She is co-leading research across regenerative design as a member of the practice’s sustainability forum and is a Next-Gen representative for NLA’s Innovation Districts panel.
Tilisha Franklin was nominated by AtkinsRéalis for her dedication to innovation, collaboration, inclusivity and leadership, and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of women in construction. She also co-leads the practice’s Archibreak sessions.
Assael nominated Jo McLean as an ‘exceptional candidate who has made substantial contributions across architectural practice, education and industry’. She is currently leading the Assael Diversity & Inclusion Group.
At dMFK, Rukmini Raghu has been pivotal in the refurbishment, extension and repositioning of 3 New Street Square for Landsec’s office brand, Myo.
The winners of all the AJ100 awards will be announced in June.
AJ100 New Talent Award 2024 shortlists
New Talent – Part 1
- Rachel Levy at AtkinsRéalis
- Alice Lindquist at dMFK
- Saf Salim at Buckley Gray Yeoman
- Ellen Willis at Chetwoods
New Talent – Part 2
- Marian Alkali at AtkinsRéalis
- Elliot Downs at jmarchitects
- Zuzanna Grodzka at Studio PDP
- Evie Martin at BDP
New Talent – New Architect
- Alla Elmahadi at Buckley Gray Yeoman
- Tilisha Franklin at AtkinsRéalis
- Jo McLean at Assael
- Rukmini Raghu at dMFK
AJ100 New Talent – New Architect sponsored by
