Architecture graduates celebrated at national student designer awards

Two postgraduate Architecture graduates have received prizes at the Association of Project Safety (APS) Student Designer Awards 2026.

Day Johnson was awarded second place and Patrick Levy placed third in the awards which challenge students on built environment design courses in the UK to showcase their design projects.

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the awards focus not only on design excellence but also the way that students’ projects address safety during the construction, use and maintenance of the proposed building.

Both students were tasked with putting forward proposals for the regeneration of a post-industrial waterfront site in Naples.

The judges were particularly impressed with Day’s proposal and how it responded to the challenges of site contamination and the mature approach to design which would improve safety while delivering lasting benefits for communities.

I'm extremely proud to represent LJMU and win second prize at the APS National Conference 2026. It speaks to the quality of teaching from undergrad right through to master’s to embed project safety into students’ design process in these developmental years and is already paying off in responsibilities I have been given in my practical experience.

Architecture graduate Day

Judges commented on the strength of Patrick’s proposal which demonstrated a strong understanding of how design decisions influence safety throughout the life of a project.

Patrick said: “I’m incredibly proud to have achieved third place. Having my work recognised by the APS is particularly meaningful, as it acknowledges the importance of considering safety throughout the design process, not only during construction but across the building’s use and maintenance. As safety continues to play an increasingly important role in the built environment, the knowledge and experience gained from this will be invaluable moving forward.”

Day and Patrick graduated from the MArch in Architecture programme earlier in 2026 with both securing employment in architectural practices.

Ian Wroot, Programme Leader for MArch in Architecture, said: “The award-winning projects by Day and Patrick demonstrate how safety can be embedded as a fundamental driver of building design and construction, rather than being viewed as a constraint on innovation. Their work shows how the proactive integration of safety considerations throughout the design process can reduce risk, enhance resilience, and support the wellbeing of both construction workers and building users. By addressing environmental, climatic, and social challenges, their proposals combine imagination with a commitment to safe, responsible, and sustainable construction practices.”