This year's cohort display an entrepreneurial ability to make positive change – both inside and outside the profession
This year’s talented cohort of 12 Rising Stars demonstrate both an impressive variety of accomplishments and an entrepreneurial ability to make positive change, both inside and outside the profession. They were drawn from a strong shortlist of 20.
A number of themes shone particularly strongly. Several of the cohort are working to reduce embodied carbon, whether through research with potentially wide-ranging impact or through individual projects. Others are embracing the circular economy and regenerative design principles. Some are exploring bold new directions away from traditional practice, including a startup to harness the power of AI for retrofit, and another for architectural films.
There is also a willingness to share knowledge and provide support, whether through mentorship programmes that help to broaden access to the profession, or through international platforms for emerging practices.
Impressively, many have done all this in tandem with busy day-jobs.
As judge James Purkiss said: ‘They’ve seen something that could be done better, and done something about it.'
Pamela Buxton
Origin
Origin is thrilled to continue its partnership with the RIBA and champion its Rising Stars competition.
The ethos behind the competition draws a lot of parallels with the values held at Origin. We are striving for best practice, operational excellence and creating beautiful environments that support today’s way of living in the most sustainable way.
This is evident by our latest launch – the Soho steel-style aluminium bi-fold door, which features industry-leading u-values and thermal performance.
The standard for this year’s Rising Stars entries has been fantastic. They have all demonstrated a strong sense of entrepreneurship through designs that minimise emissions, make use of cutting-edge technology and push the boundaries of what is possible. They are a privilege to see and be a part of.
Ben Brocklesby, sales and marketing director, Origin
2024 judges
Martyn Craddock, Chief executive, United St Saviour’s Charity
Peter Laidler, Founder and director, Structure Workshop
James Purkiss, Retrofit manager, Cambridge City Council and 2023 RIBAJ Rising Star
Fiona Scott, Founder and director, Gort Scott
Helen Castle (chair), RIBA director of publishing and learning content
Rising Stars is produced in association with Origin Doors and Windows