Latest News | 6 January 2021
Architecture students triumph at national awards
Two University of Derby graduates have been named among the winners in a prestigious national architectural technology competition which celebrates innovative building design by students.
Karaan Sabherwal was the overall winner of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists’ AT Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology (Project).
His design for a mixed-use building at Sadler Square, comprising office space, restaurant and leisure units, was focused on maximising wellbeing and the availability of green space in Derby city centre.
Karaan previously worked in banking before deciding to change careers and studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice at Derby.
He now works for Derbyshire firm Swain Architecture, where he also spent his placement year during his degree.
He said: “The recognition of winning the award was great but it belies all the hard work and extra time the lecturers at the university put into us, the students, creating a challenging but rewarding learning journey.
“The award is very much a reflection of the strength of the department.”
In the same category, Reece Scattergood, who, like Karaan, graduated from Derby in the summer, having completed his Architectural Technology and Practice BSc, received a commendation.
Using simple construction methods integrated with modern technology, he designed a fully sustainable development, with a large bio-diverse area where nature and wildlife can develop within the Cathedral Quarter.
Reece, who now works for another Derbyshire practice, Grey Richards Trowell Architecture, in Wirksworth, said: “It has been a great achievement to be commended in the AT Student Awards and have my work recognised by chartered professionals.
“I feel this is a great opportunity to continue pursuing my career within architectural technology, and with continued development to become chartered in the future.”
The University of Derby is recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.
Valeria Carnevale, programme leader in architectural technology at the university, said: “We work closely with employers to ensure that our students clearly understand the needs of industry and stay at the forefront of developments in thinking and practice, keeping pace with the rapid changes within architecture and our cities, as well as addressing issues such as individual wellbeing and climate change.”
