Inspiring Graduate Prize
Architectural graduate Irina Korneychuk has been chosen ahead of three other finalists to win the AJ/Curtins Inspiring Graduate Prize 2017. The prestigious award, organised by the Architect’s Journal and engineering consultant Curtins, was presented at the annual AJ100 breakfast event at Claridge’s in London.
Now in its third year, the prize recognises an entrepreneurial Part 1 or Part 2 architecture graduate who has made a significant impact on an architecture practice’s business or is demonstrating good business sense on an independent project.
Irina was described by the judges as, “a truly inspiring individual and an all-rounder who inspired and empowered other people”. She was also praised for her contribution to a recent success for the practice, in helping to secure a project worth over £50 million.”
Irina was born in Russia and having achieved an architectural qualification in her native country, she made the move to the UK to complete two Master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Design at Newcastle University, joining the practice shortly afterwards. Her journey to FaulknerBrowns and early career will now be detailed in a special profile for the Architect’s Journal magazine, to be released on the 16th November.
Nick Deeming, Partner at FaulknerBrowns, said: “It is fantastic to see committed, talented and determined young professionals like Irina, receiving recognition for the impact they are having on their practice and the wider architectural industry. Irina is extremely deserving of the Inspiring Graduate prize as she continues to contribute with great enthusiasm to the success of the practice, alongside the extremely exciting team of young professionals we have here.”
Irina commented on her achievement saying: “It was a truly exceptional experience to receive this award in the presence of the legendary Richard Rogers, who delivered a talk after the ceremony about the design of the Pompidou Centre. He highlighted the importance of the bravery of a young designer’s mind in pushing innovative thinking, referring to his own ‘ignorance’ at the time. This once again reiterated for me the value of the support we have been putting in place for the young professionals at our practice, and I am very pleased to be recognised for my initiatives and contributions. I owe this success to FaulknerBrowns and all the support I have received from the practice."
