She has been made a finalist for the Young Architect/Design Professional Award 2025.

We're looking forward to celebrating her, and all of the other incredible finalists, at the awards ceremony this November.

This recognition is incredibly well-deserved and reflects the huge impact Laura has made during her placement year with Powell Design & Construction from Loughborough University.

From Placement Student to Team Leader

When Laura first joined us on her work experience placement from university, we knew she had amazing potential. What we didn't anticipate was just how quickly she would exceed every expectation we had of her, and how fast she would become an integral part of our team's success.

Laura's role has evolved far beyond typical placement responsibilities. She now manages project timelines, coordinates communication between our office and site teams, and ensures everyone stays aligned on daily operations.

Perhaps most impressively for someone on a placement, she confidently leads our weekly team meetings, facilitating collaboration and keeping everyone focused on priorities.

Her proactive approach has without a doubt improved efficiency across the business. Laura has streamlined our internal filing systems, refined processes, and bridged the gap between different teams to ensure smooth communication.

She's also contributed creatively, from drawing detailed floor-plans to designing bespoke Christmas cards for the company, bringing personal touches that reflect her genuine care for the business.

Making a Real Impact

As we mentioned above, the impact Laura has made on Powell Design & Construction has been remarkable and measurable.

Her attention to detail and proactive management have positively influenced project delivery, profitability, and client satisfaction. She's strengthened team collaboration and improved how we work together, creating efficiencies that will benefit the company long after her placement ends.

Beyond her day-to-day contributions, Laura has shown genuine commitment to inspiring the next generation through her involvement in our 'Architects in the Making' model-making workshop.

Working with children aged 6-10, she created an engaging and supportive environment where young minds could explore their creativity and learn practical skills. Her enthusiasm, patience, and ability to connect with both children and their parents demonstrated her natural talent as a mentor and role model.

Growing as a Professional

Laura's dedication to personal and professional development has been evident throughout her placement too.

She's worked closely with our senior design team, contributing to design development, sketching concepts, and producing detailed drawings. Her involvement in project planning has strengthened her understanding of architectural processes from initial concepts through to execution, demonstrating her ability to balance creative design with practical problem-solving.

Why This Recognition Matters

While we're incredibly proud of Laura's individual achievement, this recognition also reflects the value of meaningful placement opportunities in our industry.

Laura's success demonstrates what's possible when placement students are given real responsibility and trusted to contribute meaningfully to business operations.

For other students considering placement opportunities, Laura's story should be inspiring. Her success shows that with initiative, professionalism, and dedication, it's possible to make significant impact even during training periods.

For businesses considering student placements, Laura's achievements demonstrate the potential return on investment when you provide meaningful opportunities and support for development.

Looking to the Future

We're looking forward to celebrating Laura's achievement at the Building The Future - Construction and Built Environment Sector Awards 2025 ceremony in November.

Regardless of the final outcome, being shortlisted for this recognition is already a tremendous achievement that validates Laura's contributions to our industry.

As we look ahead to the ceremony, we're filled with pride for Laura's achievement and excitement for her future.

While we'll be sad to soon see Laura return to Loughborough University to complete her third year studies, we have no doubt she will continue to excel and make lasting impact in the architectural field. Her time with Powell Design & Construction has been absolutely wonderful - not only for her own growth but also for our team and the projects she's contributed to.

Congratulations, Laura, this recognition is so well deserved, and we're all rooting for you! It's been a pleasure for us to be part of your growth and development this past year.

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