RIBA Journal and Origin inaugurated Rising Stars last year, but it was this year’s longlist that really made us understand how important an award it is. As several of the 2017 cohort remind us, those eligible to enter – by having qualified professionally within the past 10 years – will all have qualified into a world much altered by the financial crash of 2007/2008.

Across the spectrum, from global politics to individuals driven to food
banks and economic migration, the effects of this episode in history are still playing out. Most of this year’s entrants are millennials, and in contrast to the way many newspapers depict this generation, we have discovered a brave and resourceful lot.

They had to be. With traditional routes through the architectural profession often closed to them, they found other ways of working, making money and using their spatial and architectural skills.

This year’s award includes many young practices as well as architects who moved into project management, diversified into digital fabrication or took up charity work. While no one would advocate another financial crisis, it is often said that they breed creativity and spur on new thinking. The 2017 Rising Stars cohort is a testament to that. Let’s see where they take it over the next 10 years.

With thanks to our judges, architect Mary Duggan of Mary Duggan Architects; John Nordon, design director at PegasusLife; David Miller of David Miller Architects; environmental engineer Mark Skelly, director, Skelly and Couch; and RIBA Journal’s executive editor Eleanor Young.

RISING STARS 2017 COHORT

Read about each of the Rising Stars 2017 cohort and see them talking about what they are passionate about.

Tumpa Husna Yasmin Fellows

Anna Howell

Origin is thrilled, once again, to be championing the RIBAJ’s Rising Stars. 

One of the main reasons for our involvement is because the initiative resonated with us. Like the entrants, Origin is essentially in its infancy in its overall journey and potential. Since establishing in 2001, we’ve certainly made our mark in the fenestration industry by rewriting the norm with our fresh thinking, innovative product developments, unparalleled lead times and unmatched support for our customers. 

We believe the future for entrants and Origin alike will be filled with endless opportunities. So we want to embrace that, collaborating with those who share this enthusiasm and passion, and are looking to question the norm and excel from there.

Ben Brocklesby, sales and marketing director, Origin