Architectural Technology student announced as the winner of 2025 National Student Awards

Women in Property has announced the winner of the 2025 National Student Awards, now in their 19th year.  Ellen Campbell, studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology at Leeds Beckett University, claimed the top prize, competing against 15 other students from across the UK in the national final. 

As well as studying for her degree part time, Ellen works as a trainee Architectural Technologist for Align Property Partners in North Yorkshire, where she works on both residential and commercial projects across the North East.

The Awards programme runs regionally each year, when universities are invited to nominate their top students studying on a built environment degree course.  The regional nominees go in front of a judging panel of industry professionals when they are questioned about a specific piece of coursework as well as their own career aspirations.   The winners go through to the ‘Best of the Best’ final, in September, again facing a judging panel when they are challenged on topical industry issues.  This year, 142 students from 69 universities across the UK participated in the Awards, with 16 going through to the final round.

Emma Richman, National Chair of Women in Property and Executive Director of Operations at Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, sat on the judging panel alongside Malik Hussain of Amazon and Susannah Philp of Savills, both national sponsors of the Awards. 

The judges described the depth and breadth of Ellen’s industry knowledge as outstanding, covering everything from lack of resource to population growth, in her well-considered answers.  In response to the judges’ ‘ice breaker’ question “Who would you most like to have dinner with and why?” Ellen named comedian Sarah Millican, whom she said is her inspiration – a woman who stays vigilant, is honest, truthful and humble, but is able to hold a room.  Ellen commented that she herself has gone “from nothing”, to being able to lead meetings, mainly full of men.  As for the property and construction industry, she urges that it needs to attract diverse talent, retain diverse talent, and change culture at the top.

Women in Property National Chair, Emma Richman said, “As judges, we get almost as much from this process as the students do.   They are genuinely inspiring and a reminder of how much we can learn from the next generation entering our industry.   They challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas and, without exception, a real sense of responsibility and stewardship for the sustainability of our built and natural environment.  My congratulations go to all of them but particularly Ellen, our 2025 winner.”

Susannah Philp, director at Savills, said “I was delighted to be part of this year’s Women in Property National Student Awards judging panel.  It was inspiring to meet the best Real Estate and Built Environment talent at the start of their careers.  I am sure that they will all have an impactful contribution to the industry going forward.  Congratulations to all the candidates who made it to the Final and in particular to Ellen for coming out top.”

Commenting on her success, Ellen said, “I’m over the moon to have received this award - I feel like this is a true testament to the phrase ‘hard work pays off’! It’s not always easy, but studying for a degree whilst working full time has given me immeasurable experience and knowledge. I’m extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to be in a room with so many other inspiring women. Sarah Millican, if you’re reading this – I’m open to a dinner.”

As well as a trophy, Ellen wins a cheque for £1,000, membership of Women in Property and access to its acclaimed Mentoring programme.

Such was the quality of the candidates the judges decided to also present a Highly Commended Award.  This went to Urban Planning and Real Estate student, Hannah Johal, studying at the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London.

Over 1,800 students have passed through the National Student Awards programme since they were first held in 2007.  The 2026 programme will soon be underway, with universities being invited to nominate their top female students for the first round in the judging process.

Pictured: Malik Hussain, Amazon, Susannah Philp, Savills, Emma Richman, WiP and 2025 National Student Awards winner, Ellen Campbell