A future civil engineer and an aspiring architect have been recognised by industry judges after impressing in Reaseheath College and University Centre’s annual Together Design Challenge.
Now in its third year, the challenge sees second-year T Level Design, Surveying and Planning students put their skills to the test by responding to a real-world client brief before presenting their ideas to professionals from Together.
This year’s competition challenged students to design a bungalow for a client looking to downsize later in life, requiring them to balance accessibility, sustainability, practicality and design innovation while working to industry expectations.
Following presentations to judges from Together, including Russell Anderson and Sonny Clements, student Alfie Pendlebury was named overall winner, with fellow student Sophia Bembridge receiving a highly commended award.
Judges praised the standard of work across the cohort, describing the quality of design thinking, technical knowledge and presentation skills as exceptional.
Russell Anderson, Chief Strategy Officer, said: “The design work was excellent. The level of detail and thought that went into the projects was really impressive, and all of the students should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.”
Explaining the decision to award Alfie first place, Sonny Clements, Communities Impact Officer at Together, highlighted both his technical understanding and communication skills.
“Alfie’s presentation skills were very good. He was super engaging and demonstrated a strong understanding of sustainability, but what really stood out was how he kept the client at the centre of the project throughout.
“He delivered a design that responded directly to the client’s needs, which was really impressive.”
For Alfie, the project provided an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed through his T Level studies to a realistic industry scenario.
“I was really surprised, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” he said. “I looked at the brief from the client’s perspective. I imagined somebody retiring and downsizing, and I wanted to make sure the design was accessible and worked for how they would actually live.
“We’ve covered things like building regulations, accessibility and modern methods of construction on the course, so it was good to be able to bring all of that together in a real project.”
Alfie is already preparing for the next stage of his career after securing a civil engineering degree apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty, which he will begin in September.
He credits both his T Level studies and industry placement opportunities with helping him take that next step.
“The course has definitely prepared me. The work placement experience was really valuable and helped give me confidence for the future.”
Looking ahead, Alfie hopes to build a career in civil engineering and one day work overseas.
Sophia Bembridge, who received a highly commended award, was recognised for a design that placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, accessibility and community-focused living.
“I focused a lot on sustainability and making sure the design was accessible and practical for the people using it,” she said.
The experience has further strengthened Sophia’s ambition to pursue a career in architecture, with a particular interest in sustainable buildings and spaces that support communities.
It’s definitely something good to put on my CV. It’s given me more experience in designing and thinking about how spaces work, and it’s helped build my confidence.”
David Wainwright, Programme Leader for T Level Design, Surveying and Planning at Reaseheath College, said the challenge has become an important part of the student experience.
“The TogetherMoney Design Challenge has become a highlight of the second year of our T Level programme. It gives students the opportunity to apply everything they have learned to a realistic industry brief and receive feedback directly from professionals working in the sector.
“The standard this year was incredibly high, and we’re delighted to see Alfie and Sophia recognised for their hard work, creativity and professionalism.”
As in previous years, the winning design will now move beyond the drawing board. Construction students studying joinery, bricklaying and plastering at Reaseheath will work together to build the bungalow on campus, giving them valuable hands-on experience while bringing Alfie’s design to life.
Learners from the Building Heroes programme, which supports military veterans transitioning into civilian careers through construction training, will also contribute to the project as part of their Level 1 Construction course.
The challenge forms part of Reaseheath College’s ongoing partnership with Together, which supports students through industry engagement, practical projects and skills development designed to prepare the next generation of construction professionals.
Sonny added: “Together proudly supports young people in achieving their full potential by helping to develop their confidence, skills and education, all of which are key to enhancing future employability prospects.
“This reflects Together’s wider commitment to youth development, creating opportunities, and improving long-term employability outcomes as part of its broader community impact strategy.”
