Member Article

BCO celebrates emerging property talent at NextGen awards

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 wasn’t the region’s only winner, 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.

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.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Frank Clarke .