It takes a team of experienced and dedicated architects, designers, and project leads to keep a firm running. However, each firm's success also comes down to the unsung contributions of emerging talent whose efforts are often overlooked. This transitional role from a recent graduate to design professional continues to teeter between a slippery slope of "exposure" and "working experience" with unfair work practices. AJ's latest initiative, AJ100 New Talent, however, aims to "champion those who may not always be given the credit they deserve." 

Celebrating this year's design cohort is a step towards re-writing the narrative for architectural assistants who were once thought of as voiceless and underrepresented. The AJ adds that this celebration of talent "chimes with [their] focus on the struggles facing those entering the profession and the need for change. Practices have a big responsibility to nurture these rising stars, who are the future of the profession."

Ellie Sampson - Haworth Tompkins

• Training: The Bartlett, University College London (BSc Hons Architecture, MArch)
• Nominated for "her contribution to a wide range of the practice’s projects through the creation of models at varying scales and materials"

Lydia Moth - Architype

• Training: University of Bath (BSc Hons Architecture); Birmingham City University (MArch)
• Nominated for "her BIM expertise, Passivhaus knowledge and her commitment to raising awareness about staff happiness and wellbeing."

Nelton Barbosa - Pollard Thomas Edward

• Training: University of East London (BSc Hons Architecture); London South Bank University (ongoing architectural apprenticeship combining MArch and Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice)
• Nominated for "his ‘commitment and dedication’ in combining his studies with work in practice as an architectural apprentice and for his proactive promotion of the benefits of apprenticeships to the profession."

Jake Johnson - Dexter Moren Associates

• Training: University of Bath (BSc Hons Architecture); Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (MArch)
• Nominated for his "focus on winning new business, his role as company culture ‘champion’ and for his skills in designing and delivering hospitality and housing projects."

Emil Day - Assael Architecture

• Training: Oxford Brookes University (BA Hons Architecture, MArch)
• Nominated for "demonstrating an ability ‘well above his level’ in his leadership on the implementation of the Chiswick High Road residential project and for commitment to increasing social engagement and diversity within the architectural industry."

Sun Yen Yee - Grimshaw

• Training: Newcastle University (BA Hons Architecture); University of Westminster (MArch)
• Nominated for "being a founding member of Grimshaw’s MEGA (multi-ethnic group + allies) and his ‘understanding of all architectural typologies in multiple regions and at different stages, combined with innovative computational, digital design and analytical skills.’"

Rebecca Tudehope - Make Architects

• Training: University of Nottingham (BArch); University of Greenwich (MArch)
• Nominated for "co‑leading Make’s Urban Design sector group and spearheading the practice’s research project to develop an Amenity Index tool."

While the organization acknowledges that this year's selected cohort is merely a "small snapshot of those going above and beyond," this initiative is part of their effort to push and amplify the work of Part 2 architectural assistants within firms across the UK. 

One of the designers who made the list is Archinect's own Niall Patrick Walsh. His passion for writing and contributions to our editorial reflects his commitment to bridging the gap between professional practice and the ever-evolving industry of architectural media. His approach to writing informative pieces while commenting on the real-world effects of architecture and the industry has positioned him as a strong voice in shaping the future of architectural journalism.

Rachel Wakelin - Buckley Gray Yeoman

• Training: University of Nottingham (MEng Hons Architecture and Environmental Design); University of Westminster (MArch)
• Nominated for "consistently demonstrating ‘excellence and exceptional promise’"

Matthew Poon - WilkinsonEyre

• Training: University of Nottingham (BArch); The Bartlett, University College London (MArch)
• Nominated for "his specialist skills in VR and interactive modeling and for streamlining the practice’s 3D digital production and visualization."

Niall Patrick Walsh - BDP

• Training: Queen’s University Belfast (Bsc Hons Architecture; MArch)
• Nominated for "using the ‘global stage to promote a vision for the profession which propagates, advocates, and embraces new ideas from the wider world’"

Kate Rush - Morris + Company

• Training: TU Dublin (BA Hons Architecture; MArch)
• Nominated for "a design approach that combines conceptual experimentation with methodical strategic problem-solving and for using carefully selected tools to unlock her critical thinking."

Will Fleck - HLM

• Training: Ulster University (BA Hons Architecture); Glasgow School of Art (PgDip Architecture)
• Nominated for "his ‘fundamental’ role in the development and delivery of several key sustainability projects in the Glasgow region

Jarrell Goh - Studio Egret West

• Training: The Bartlett, University College London (BSc Hons Architecture; MArch)
• Nominated for "varied contributions beyond typical architectural design work, such as leading the practice’s photography and video work."

Hugh Pearce - Architype

• Training: University of Bath (BSc Hons Architecture, MArch)
• Nominated for "being critical to the development of Architype’s ‘super Passivhaus designer’ group."

The AJ adds that this inaugural cohort hopes to inspire other architects looking to explore and pursue a career in architecture. As the year 2021 slowly comes to a close, we hope this initiative continues to celebrate and highlight this rising pool of talent.