Two architects at Kirby Architecture based in Metfield near Halesworth, have been recognised for the quality and innovation of their work.
Charlotte Gales and Sam Prabhakaran were each shortlisted for industry awards, celebrating the exceptional quality of their design work.
Charlotte, a Part 1 architectural assistant for Kirby Architecture was nominated for the Architects Journal Student Prize, in recognition of her final undergraduate project for her Bachelor’s of Architecture, which she completed at Loughborough University.
Sam Prabhakaran, who recently relocated to the UK to join Kirby Architecture as an architect, bringing more than 15 years’ experience, was nominated and shortlisted in the Design Institute of New Zealand – Best Design Awards.
With a spotlight on innovation and sustainability, Charlotte’s nomination centred on her design for a Seaweed Innovation Centre in Lisbon. The project creates a living system, thriving off the powers of seaweed, and brings together laboratories, farms, and civic spaces where science, culture, and community meet. Inside, scientists and makers collaborate in open labs and workshops to explore seaweed’s potential in food, textiles, construction, and energy, and members of the public are invited into the process: to walk among the cultivation beds, learn from interactive exhibitions, taste seaweed in the restaurant, or stay overnight in bio-based micro dwellings.
‘Real honour’
Charlotte said: “It was a real honour to be put forward for the student prize. The calibre of entries is so high, coming in from more than 100 higher education institutions, so to be shortlisted was really incredible.
“The project was about using design to bring sustainable, innovative ideas to life that can transform buildings from static places into thriving, efficient and productive parts of communities. I hope my ideas brought that to life through the creation of the Seaweed Innovation Centre. I really enjoyed being part of the awards evening and hearing about the brilliant work of my peers.”
The shortlisting was for the project Sam worked on with his team at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (DGSE) Architects in New Zealand. Sam’s work was celebrated in the ‘workplace environments’ category, recognising the innovation and creativity in their work to redesign the offices of Wellington-based tech-accounting company Hnry. The project brief involved designing a space to reflect and encourage the creative, fun and highly collaborative approach the team has, and saw Sam and his team design an innovative office space using contrasting colours to separate zones, greenery, playful lighting, and bold colours in furniture, acoustics, and flooring.
‘Pinnacle of design excellence’
Sam was the project architect / lead, working closely with the client during the design and design development stage, also managing the project on site during construction.
Sam said: “It’s great to have been shortlisted for what are such hotly-contest awards, and which celebrate the pinnacle of design excellence.
“The Hnry project, carried out in my time at DGSE, was a pleasure to work on. The success came from the exceptional way in which we worked with everyone involved on the project, from suppliers to contractors, and of course the client – to create something truly bespoke and built around the exact needs of the business and their team. It was a real privilege to lead and I’m grateful for this industry recognition.”
About Kirby Architecture
Kirby Architecture provides bespoke, trusted, architectural design and project solutions to private individuals, commercial enterprises and community initiatives.
Based in Suffolk, with clients nationwide, the Kirby Architecture team takes on projects big and small, tailoring services to budgets and requirements.
With a 100% planning success rate, their work is grounded in unparalleled expertise, insightful design and attention to detail. KIRBY ARCHITECTURE – Home
