Celebrating success: Ellen Campbell wins prestigious national award
We’re thrilled to announce that one of our own, a talented Trainee Architectural Technologist at Align, has been named the 2025 National Winner of the Women in Property National Student Awards — a prestigious accolade that recognises outstanding female students in the built environment sector.
Currently entering her fourth year of a five-year part-time degree, she has been with Align for three years, balancing full-time work with academic study. Her journey began with a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and today she’s a key contributor to Stage 4 Technical Design projects for residential and commercial developments across North Yorkshire. She also shadows senior colleagues on large-scale schemes, gaining invaluable experience.
We sat down with Ellen to ask her a few questions following her award win:
What does winning the Women in Property National Student Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, winning feels like working hard does really pay off – I’m also proud of how far I’ve came, considering I knew nothing about the construction industry when I started. Professionally, winning this award is a great reflection that studying and working within the industry has given me immeasurable knowledge and hands-on experience. The people I’ve met, mentorship available and new connections I’ve made during this journey will allow me to grow professionally and continue to gain confidence in the field.
What was the most challenging part of the awards process?
The most challenging part was during the regional process. All nominees had to prepare a ten-minute presentation about a piece of professional or university work, then answer topical industry-based questions on the spot. I had to learn how to present myself to a room of judges, keep them engaged and deliver a summarised concise project under timed constraints.
How do you manage the balance between full-time work and part-time study?
I’m very good at time management. I set myself daily goals to complete, both at work and at home academically. I’m also realistic with how much I can achieve at a given moment, meaning I always plan my assignments ahead of time. It’s also important to listen to your body and make time for socialising and hobbies.
Has your role at Align influenced your studies, or vice versa?
Definitely – I use the knowledge gained at work to influence my university projects and essays. I’ve shadowed and assisted in the design process on some large-scale projects (i.e. Catterick LUF and Oakbridge Primary School), which influenced how I designed a multi-story educational building for university, after learning about spatial design and Biodiversity Net Gain. Researching and writing essays on listed building refurbishments has also influenced my design approach at work, on similar residential properties in need of retrofitting.
What first attracted you to Align?
I saw the opportunity arise, which was a great blend of my creative and technical interests. I think part-time study whilst working in the industry is a great alternative route to get into the profession, with added financial and experiential benefits.
How has Align helped build your confidence and career?
I’ve gained hands-on experience across all RIBA stages, notably leading my own Stage 4 Technical Design packages, as well as preparing and hosting my own Construction meetings. Being able to communicate verbally to large groups is such an important skill for personal development, something I had not previously done before my career at Align.
What are your aspirations/goals for the next few years?
My current aspiring aim is to graduate university with First Class Honours, then work towards full CIAT Chartership. In the meantime, I would like to continue working on my own projects to gain more professional experience.
Who inspires you?
It’s hard to think of one person, but someone who inspires me would be a confident, down-to-earth person who tries hard at what they do, which is why I said comedian Sarah Millican during my Women in Property National Finals Interview.
If you had a superpower to help with your job, what would it be?
Technopathy – the ability to mentally control and manipulate technology. With the upcoming rise of AI in every industry, I think this ability would help me to be more productive, collect information and produce more efficient designs.
What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have?
I like to paint, draw and illustrate in my spare time. While my job is quite technical, I like to unwind with something creative!
Best advice you’ve ever received?
To quote one of my favourite movies, ‘Batman Begins’ – “Why do we fall, sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” It reminds me that setbacks are growth.
If you could swap jobs with anyone at Align for a day, who would it be?
Probably someone from the Project Management team. Some of my responsibilities overlap with theirs, and I’d like to see how they organise and liaise directly with different disciplines.
Congratulations to Ellen and her journey is inspiring and shows an alternative route into the industry.
This award also reflects on the talent, dedication, and potential that exists within our teams at Align.
