Entries open for the RSUA Rising Star Award

10/03/2025

In recognition of the significant and often unseen contribution made by architects in the early stages of their career, we are launching the RSUA Rising Star Award. Nominations for this new award can be made by the person themselves or someone else.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an RSUA Rising Star Award entrants must have completed their RIBA Part 2 or equivalent after 1 September 2015, and they must be an RSUA member and an ARB registered architect.

The 10-year timeframe aligns with the RIBAJ Rising Star process.  The winner of the RSUA Rising Star Award will be nominated for this UK-wide award.

Submission Requirements

The following elements must be submitted:

• Biography of entrant, 50 words maximum
• Personal statement from entrant or nominee, 400 words maximum
• Referee statement, 100 words maximum
• Two to five images and drawings of work referenced
• One headshot of entrant
• All submitted elements to include entrant surname_initial in the title
• All images should be saved using the format: entrant surname_initial_image number

Please note any materials submitted may be used for publicity purposes. The details entered in the captions and credits will be used as the credits in publication and promotional activity so please ensure they are accurate.

Submission Method

Submissions should be sent to Jude Faloon by email to jude@rsua.org.uk by 5pm on 4 April 2025.

Evaluation Criteria

Entries should demonstrate:

• Agility, ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Original thinking in problem-solving through design or management or other means
• Leadership from above, below or alongside
• Dedication
• A collaborative approach
• Outcomes and impacts

We welcome entries that focus on one particular achievement or initiative as well as those that detail a wider breadth of activities. It’s important that the submission makes it clear how the entrant personally contributed to the achievements that are mentioned.

Evaluation Panel

• RSUA President, John Lavery
• RSUA Vice President, James Grieve
• RSUA Council Member, Karen Crilly
• RSUA Education and Careers Committee Chair and Council Member, Jennifer Harper
• Early Career Architects Forum Chair, Alex Knowles

Winner Announcement

The winner will be notified in advance and publicly announced at the Gala Evening of the RSUA Design Awards on 8 May 2025 in Ulster University Belfast. Tickets for the event will be available soon.

Enquiries

All enquiries relating to the competition should be sent to Jude Faloon by emailing jude@rsua.org.uk.