2012

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RIBA Aedas Stephen Williams Scholarship transforms professional prospects for talented student

Date:

12 June 2012

Press office contact:

Howard Crosskey
T: +44 (0)20 7307 3761
E: howard.crosskey@riba.org

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Aedas have announced Kerry Watton as the 2012/13 beneficiary of the highly coveted RIBA Aedas Stephen Williams Scholarship, the most generous single scholarship the RIBA makes to students in financial need. The scholarship, will offer Kerry personal academic mentoring by Aedas Creative Director David Simister and a £5,000 grant towards her studies.

Kerry Watton, who will shortly be entering the final year of her Part II studies at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Art said:

'To be selected as the recipient of the RIBA Aedas Stephen Williams Scholarship has been a huge encouragement. This support will allow me to complete my education without the major financial concerns that have limited my studies in the past and allow me to devote the time and energy required to realising my full potential.

'This is the greatest opportunity I could be offered and I am extremely grateful to Aedas and the Williams family for allowing me the chance to grow professionally without the financial burdens experienced by many of my peers.'

The judging panel consisted of David Simister (Aedas), Brian Johnson (Aedas European Chairman), Angela Brady (RIBA President), Zoha Chiheb (graduate member, RIBA Education Committee) alongside Nick Williams and Landyn Williams (representing the Williams family).

RIBA President Angela Brady said:

'The quality and volume of applicants the judging panel received for this scholarship illustrates clearly just how many students are continuing to experience unprecedented financial hardship.

'It is vital that we build on the generosity and passion shown by our partners Aedas. The profession needs to step up to nurture and support those in financial need; we want a meritocratic future for architects where a diverse and highly skilled future generation can compete and shine on a global level. Now more than ever the RIBA’s programme of education trust funds and awards needs support from those in the profession to achieve this goal.'

Chairman of Aedas Europe, Brian Johnson said:

'Since starting the RIBA Aedas Scholarship four years ago, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of design talent and we were particularly pleased with the quality of this year’s entrants. We place creativity at the heart of everything we do and the scholarship reinforces this design philosophy.

'With tuition fees higher than ever, we are glad to be able to support the future leaders of our industry and look forward to working with Kerry as she progresses her future in architecture.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

  • For further press information contact Howard Crosskey in the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3761 howard.crosskey@riba.org
  • To download an image of Kerry Watton and a recent example of her drawings visit https://www.box.com/s/83f951125ad4ee231081, images of Angela Brady and Brian Johnson are also available via this link
  • The RIBA Aedas Stephen Williams Scholarship was established in 2008 thanks to the generous support of Aedas Architects and is offered in memory of Stephen Williams, a past Director of Aedas
  • David Simister is responsible for the leadership of the Aedas Design Quality Initiative. He is a long standing Civic Trust Assessor and has served as an RIBA Awards judge. He won the CABE Building for Life Award and the RIBA Award for Chorlton Park Housing whilst at Stephenson Bell. Recently appointed External Examiner to Northumbria School of Architecture in Newcastle
  • The RIBA Aedas Stephen Williams Scholarship has been awarded to Laura Collins (University of Sheffield, 2009/10), Henry Fisher (University of Bath 2010/11) and Joseph Deane (Royal College of Art 2011/12)
  • The 2013/14 call for entries for the RIBA Aedas Stephen Williams Scholarship will be announced in January 2013 – keep an eye on www.architecture.com for further details
  • The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Visit www.architecture.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/RIBA
  • Aedas global network provides consultancy services in architecture, interior design, masterplanning, landscape, urban design and building consultancy through their 32 offices in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Aedas has a strong commitment to the cities and communities in which they live and work. Advanced R&D technology and innovative sustainable solutions delivered through a group of high-powered designers who provide a comprehensive range of architectural expertise and design services that together add human and community values
  • For information on how to make a donation or to discuss establishing your own fund please contact Joanna Scott from the RIBA Education team joanna.scott@riba.org  

 

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