Great achievement for Women in Property

Kimia Benam, a second year BA (Hons) Architecture student, has won the regional heat of the Association’s National Student Awards: established to redress the balance of female under-representation in the property and construction industry by supporting incoming talent from UK universities, as well as nurturing newcomers.

Competing with architecture students throughout the North East and Yorkshire, Kimia faced a panel of six industry judges to discuss topics relating to her course. She also presented her latest university project – the redesign of Charles Street Community Centre in Heaton.

Kimia’s talent and passion for the subject earned her a £300 prize, a summer placement with Leeds Council, a year-long mentor and countless opportunities to network at the many property related events she will attend.

Kimia, 19, from Kenton, said: “I wanted to become an architect because I’ve always loved art and want to work in a field that enables your designs to be seen on a large scale by a bigger audience than would ever see it in a gallery.

“My tutor nominated me for the competition and I was excited to be shortlisted for an interview. I was shocked when I was announced as the winner.

“I’m passionate about architecture. It’s a subject that has traditionally been dominated by men but awards like this help to highlight it as an option for women too.”

The three-year full-time BA (Hons) Architecture degree is unique in its approach to addressing issues of management in architectural design. The course produces graduates able to undertake creative design and management roles within the built environment as well as progressing to the next stage of an architectural education.

Senior Lecturer Kelly MacKinnon said: “Kimia is a real credit to the programme and it is a great result that all of her hard work and motivation has been recognised by winning this competition. It is also a great accolade to the Architecture Programme at Northumbria that she will represent the region in a competition, which highlights women in the built environment profession – a sector that has been traditionally dominated by men.

“She is a great role model to young women in the region and we are delighted that she has won.”

Vicki Ingleby, Chair of the Yorkshire and North East branch of Women in Property said: “These awards seek out the best students. She is clearly very talented and a great role model for young women considering a career in property and construction.”

Kimia will now represent the North East and Yorkshire region for the national ‘Best of the Best’ final awards which will take place at Claridge’s in September.