BCO celebrates emerging property talent in Midlands

Posted by Barques on 14th November 2019 -

Roxana Botezatu, Architect at Gensler, was named the Rising Star of the Midlands at the fourth annual British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Awards on Tuesday November 12th. Graduate mechanical engineer Bongai Muyambo, from chapmanbdsp also celebrated last night, taking home the Graduate of the Year award. 

The awards dinner, which took place at The Porter Tun, London, was attended by the country’s top designers, developers, architects and occupiers under the age of 35. It celebrated the achievements and successes of young professionals in the commercial property sector across the UK, and the leaders who have inspired them. 

The BCO NextGen Rising Star award recognises an under 35’s outstanding contribution to the office sector in their region. Roxana Botezatu, who gained her RIBA Part 3 accreditation and acceptance to the ARB at just 28-years-old, was named as the Midlands’ winner by a panel of local judges. 

It was clear to the judges that Roxana is highly regarded and a committed member of Gensler’s Birmingham office, with colleagues praising her thoughtful approach, engaging energy and commitment to go above and beyond client’s visions. The judges were impressed by her can-do attitude and desire to always learn more through industry seminars, personal development sessions and networking events. Roxana’s passion for the built environment combined with this willingness to constantly challenge herself drives her to create spaces that consistently exceed the need of clients and end users alike. 

Roxana’s ability to work collaboratively with other trades and drive projects forward shone through her nomination, with colleagues praising her eye for detail and positive energy that allow her to communicate clearly and passionately between the different teams involved in any one project. 

The judges also praised Roxana’s undeniable influence in engaging student talent, which she does through her work with the Gensler Work Experience programme in Birmingham. The role sees her work closely with faculties across education levels, from GCSE students to final year university students to mentor new talent as they find their feet in the industry. 

Roxana wasn’t the region’s only winner last night, with chapmanbdsp’s Bongai Muyambo also crowned Graduate of the Year. 

The judges were taken aback by the incredible impact Bongai has had not only on her firm, but across the wider industry in just a year. As well as excelling in her role as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Bongai has improved wellness across the firm’s workplace and played a pivotal role in organising mental health awareness events internally. In addition, she has been a key voice in the firm’s work with Aston University, where she mentors the next generation of female engineers. Her colleagues strongly praised her understanding of engineering and her passion for her work, a combination which the judges agree make her an excellent ambassador for the industry. 

The Awards are part of the BCO’s NextGen programme, which sets out to mentor and encourage the next generation of professionals to become future leaders in the industry, whilst providing a platform for new talent to share ideas. 

Joe Huddleston, Design Manager at Gensler and Chair of the BCO NextGen Midlands chapter, said: “Roxana’s inquisitive nature and desire to exceed expectations is inspiring. She goes above and beyond in all she engages with, challenging herself and her team. Roxana ultimately finds the best solutions for the clients she works with and builds lasting relationships during the process. Similarly, the impact Graduate of the year, Bongai has made in such a short space of time is remarkable. Both Roxana and Bongai are assets to our NextGen community, my congratulations to you both on your win tonight.” 

Paul Patenall, President of the BCO, added: “Roxana’s dedication to the industry is admirable. To have achieved so much so young is remarkable and to have done so with a constant smile and positive energy that clearly inspires those around her. Congratulations, Roxana, a most deserving winner!” 

For more information about the awards and the winners this year visit the BCO NextGen website (www.bconextgen.co.uk).