Award-winning DEC student wins place at Manchester School of Architecture

From award-winning design challenge winner to architecture undergraduate, discover how DEC helped Sabina explore her future and secure a place at a world-leading university.

Sabina Lacey
Prince of Wales Island International School
(Penang, Malaysia)

TQUK Level 3 International Diploma in Design, Engineering, and Construction in the Digital Built Environment (RQF)

CAREER PATHWAY:
Architecture

Read Sabina’s story below

“…the Level 3 Diploma was a great introduction to these different disciplines and helped me make an informed decision about what I wanted to study at university.”

CURRENT ROLE/COURSE:
BA Architecture
Manchester School of Architecture 

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS:

Level 3 International Diploma in Design Engineer Construct in the Digital Built Environment (RQF) – A
Design & Technology – A
Art – A
Biology – B
Mathematics – C

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Ryder Architecture
Sir Robert McAlpine
Hoodless Studio

Sabina was just 16 when she was named winner of the COYO 2023 Design Challenge for her outstanding net zero neonatal unit design.

Working entirely independently as a “team of one”, Sabina impressed judges from the New Hospital Programme, NHS England, Barts Health NHS Trust and Laing O’Rourke with her research, empathy and technical understanding.

Her design placed nature at the heart of the hospital environment while addressing patient comfort, safety, sustainability and modern methods of construction.

Sabina’s achievement earned her a unique industry experience with Ryder Architecture and Sir Robert McAlpine which set her up for her final year at school to complete A levels and DEC Level 3, which she passed with flying colours.

Having just completed her first year at the prestigious Manchester School of Architecture, she’s applying her knowledge through work experience at Hoodless Studio under the watchful eye of founder and award-winning architect, Harry Hoodless. Harry has played a leading role in the design and delivery of some of the world’s most progressive education and mixed use projects.

Why I studied DEC

“I was first introduced to DEC and architecture through the annual Design Challenge in 2023. The experience inspired me to further explore the built environment and led me to study the Level 3 Diploma, where I gained insight into a wide range of disciplines within the Built Environment sector.

The course equipped me with knowledge and skills that have continued to support me academically throughout my BA in Architecture.”

My aims for the future

“After completing my BA in Architecture in Manchester, I hope to pursue a career in architecture within the UK. I am particularly interested in continuing to contribute to meaningful and socially responsive projects.”

What I would say to someone considering studying DEC

“My advice for future DEC students is not to feel intimidated by a career in the Built Environment. There is such a wide range of disciplines and approaches across the field, meaning there are many different paths to explore.

For me, the Level 3 Diploma was a great introduction to these different disciplines and helped me make an informed decision about what I wanted to study at university.”