British Council for Offices celebrates next Rising Star of the Midlands at Annual Property Awards
Glenn Howells Architects’ Shauna Bradley was named Rising Star of the Midlands at the fifth annual British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Awards on Thursday November 12th.
The Awards are part of the BCO’s NextGen programme, which sets out to mentor and encourage the next generation of property professionals to become future leaders in the industry, whilst providing a platform for new talent to share ideas.
The country’s top designers, developers, architects and occupiers under the age of 35 were invited to join the BCO for the awards ceremony, which took place virtually for the first time this year. It celebrated the achievements and successes of young professionals in the commercial property sector across the UK, and the individuals who mentored them.
The BCO NextGen Rising Star award recognises an under 35’s outstanding contribution to the office sector in their region. Last night, Glenn Howells Architects’ (GHA) Shauna Bradley was crowned Rising Star of the Midlands by a panel of local judges.
Since joining GHA in 2010, Shauna has risen through the ranks quickly and played a significant role on multiple large-scale projects in the region, including Argent’s Paradise masterplan, One Centenary Way and Martineau Galleries. She is currently leading the latter on a strategically critical regeneration project for Birmingham that will deliver a new gateway into the city.
The judges were also moved by Shauna’s commitment to mentoring students of all ages hoping to start their own careers, whether secondary school students on work experience or trainee architects looking to take their first steps in the industry. She is also a leading member of GHA’s ‘People Plan’, an initiative which aims to promote mentorship, while raising awareness of mental health and wellness in the workplace so that colleagues at all levels feel supported.
Outside of her role at GHA, Shauna is an active member of the Birmingham Civic Society Planning Committee and Birmingham Architectural Association. She is also a visiting critic for Birmingham City University and has given talks and tours for many of the city’s organisations including RTPI, RIBA West Midlands and METREX.
Joe Huddleston, Design Manager at Gensler and Chair of the BCO NextGen Midlands Committee, commented: “Shauna never fails to go the extra mile for those she works with, whether clients, colleagues or mentees. Her colleagues’ praise speaks volumes about her natural flair for carefully considered and thoughtful design, her approachable nature and a genuine desire to support those around her. She embodies everything we hope to see in our Rising Stars. Many congratulations Shauna!”
Paul Patenall, President of the BCO, said: “Shauna’s dedication to the industry is admirable. Her career has grown from strength to strength and her achievements highlight the incredible impact her work has had on Birmingham’s cityscape, and the people within it.”
In addition to the NextGen Awards ceremony, the BCO is thrilled to be bringing back its NextGen Competition for a second time since 2017. As the property industry looks to answer new and important challenges about its future – from COVID-19, to climate change, to equality and inclusivity – the BCO is asking members under 35 to reimagine the future office. The winners of the competition will be announced later this month.
