A Cardiff based BSc Architectural Studies student was announced as winner of the 2024 Women in Property National Student Awards, at the Best of the Best Awards Dinner, held at Claridge’s (19th September).
Sophie Page competed against 12 other students in the national final of the Awards programme, now in its 18th year. Sophie studies at Cardiff University and is about to start her third year.
The Awards programme runs regionally each year, when universities are invited to nominate their top female students studying in their second year (third in Scotland) on a built environment degree course. The regional nominees go before a judging panel, when the candidates are questioned about a piece of coursework, as well as assessing their personal skills, professional potential, and understanding of the industry.
The winners are announced at regional Awards events, before going through to the National Final, in September. They again face a judging panel when they are challenged on topical industry issues.
Over 1,600 students have been through the Awards programme since their launch, and 2024 has seen a talented and diverse group of contenders, with 122 students nominated by their lecturers, representing 55 Universities. Women in Property is again giving all the participants free membership, which includes the option to take up the organisation’s acclaimed mentoring scheme.
Jennifer Winyard, National Chair of Women in Property and Senior Strategic Land Manager at Barratt Homes, said, “What a fabulous outcome for Sophie, who was up against an amazing, talented group of women for the final stage of this nine-month process. This year I have talked a lot about unlocking one’s potential, recognising our own skills and developing our capabilities, none more so than through the National Student Awards programme. I am delighted for all our Finalists and, in particular, for Sophie who excelled. These women will be a credit to our industry, and we would like to thank them all for their hard work and professionalism.
“Our thanks also go to the Universities, for their continued support and commitment to the Awards. We are grateful to our national sponsors, Amazon, Bouygues UK, Savills and tp bennett, and all our regional sponsors, for supporting the Awards and for giving their time to the judging process.”
The judges, all representatives of the national sponsors, plus Jennifer Winyard, were “blown away by Sophie’s views on sustainability, telling us we all need to adjust our comfort levels.”
They described how she talked about how sustainability should be made compulsory, saying that “only Government can force change, through regulation, rather than incentives”.
Regarding diversity and equality, Sophie talked about how we need to persuade women to stay in the industry, and how we must accommodate them back into the workplace particularly after taking parental leave. In short, the judges all felt that they “had been educated after the interview”.
Sophie Page said, “I am in awe of the exceptional talent that surrounds me and feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to stand among such a remarkable group of finalists this year. The entire experience has been both incredibly exciting and rewarding in countless ways. I look forward to remaining an active part of this wonderful organisation, which continues to uplift and empower women in the industry.”
Bouygues has been sponsoring the National Student Awards since 2014, Savills since 2018, and tp bennett and Amazon supporting for a third time at a national level this year, and all were represented on the national judging panel, alongside Jennifer Winyard.
Hanna Eckersall, Head of EU Startup, Amazon, said, “As a judge for the Women in Property National Student Awards, I am humbled and energised by the exceptional talent and drive displayed by these remarkable students. Their innovative ideas and passion for the built environment are truly inspiring. It is a privilege to support the development of such a promising pipeline of female leaders in this industry. Amazon is proud to actively sponsor events like this that showcase and nurture diversity in the built environment. Congratulations to our national winner Sophie.”
Phillippa Prongué, Managing Director for London & the South East at Bouygues UK, said, “We’re proud to support the Women in Property National Student Awards and I’m honoured to be a judge at this year’s final. These awards not only showcase the amazing talent coming into the built environment sector but also highlight how important it is to support and recognise the women who will shape our industry’s future. It was tough picking a winner because all the finalists showed such incredible passion throughout the year. Big congratulations to Sophie and all the finalists for their hard work and determination. It’s always inspiring to see young professionals who are so enthusiastic about joining our industry.”
Chris Kerr, Director, Global Occupier Services at Savills, said “We are thrilled to once again be supporting the Women in Property National Student Awards. Throughout our long involvement with these Awards we have been consistently impressed by the calibre of the candidates and this year has been no exception. Well done to all of the finalists and a very well-deserved congratulations to Sophie.”
Julie Wilmer, Director of tp bennett said, “I am always blown away by the strength of the nominees. How articulate and passionate they are about their chosen profession and the wider industry. I am confident that the future of the Property industry is in great hands as we continue to push towards more diverse ways of thinking and doing. It is a privilege for tp bennett, and myself in particular, to be involved with these awards.”
Sophie receives a prize of £1,000, and a trophy, as well as membership of Women in Property. Meanwhile the 2025 programme is underway, with universities being invited to nominate their top female students for the first round in the judging process.
