The CIBSE Young Engineers Awards 2026 celebrated the achievements, creativity and dedication of the next generation of building engineers, recognising outstanding young talent and employers committed to developing the engineers of tomorrow.
Now in their 31st year, the prestigious annual awards took place on Thursday 8 October in London, bringing together graduate engineers, apprentices, undergraduates, employers and industry leaders from across the building engineering profession.
The awards recognise the crucial contribution that young engineers and their employers make towards shaping a resilient and sustainable built environment. With demand for new engineering talent continuing to intensify, the awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate those already making a difference and highlight the organisations supporting their development.
This year’s awards recognised winners across four key categories: the CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year, Employer of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Undergraduate of the Year.
Celebrating the 2026 winners
CIBSE Apprentice of the Year – Level 3–4
1st: Nadia Husen, Hawden-MEP
2nd: Austin Riches, DPL Group
3rd: Bekim Fejzullai, Cundall
CIBSE Apprentice of the Year – Level 5–7
1st: Melissa Riggs, Troup Bywaters + Anders LLP
2nd: Harvey Dean, Arup
3rd: Ieuan Newton, Stantec
CIBSE Undergraduate of the Year
1st: George Stephens-Clark, University of Portsmouth
2nd: Jamison Boll, University of West England
3rd: Precious Fabamifobee, University of Nottingham
CIBSE Employer of the Year
The Employer of the Year category recognises organisations of all sizes that demonstrate a strong commitment to nurturing and advancing early-career talent.
Small Employer Winner: SI Sealy & Associates Limited
Medium Employer Winner: Atelier Ten
Large Employer Winner: Hoare Lea
Overall Employer Winner: Hoare Lea
CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year
Winner: Serra Ardor from UCL/ HTA Design
Runner-up: Sasha Green from UCL/ FairHeat
Second Runner-up: Sebastian Taylor Aguilar from LSBU/ RED Engineering Design
The CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year winner was announced during the awards ceremony following their presentation to the judging panel.
This year’s finalists were challenged to consider the question:
“How should building services engineers evolve to actively shape AI’s impact on ensuring a truly sustainable future?”
The topic invited graduates to explore the rapidly developing role of artificial intelligence within the built environment and consider how engineers can help ensure that emerging technologies contribute positively to a sustainable future.
Recognising employers and young engineers
The CIBSE Young Engineers Awards are designed not only to recognise exceptional individual achievement, but also to highlight the important role employers play in developing the next generation of engineering talent.
From apprentices and undergraduates beginning their careers to graduates developing their professional expertise, the awards showcase the breadth of talent entering the building engineering profession and the innovative thinking, hard work and skills they bring to the industry.
The Employer of the Year awards also recognise organisations that are investing in early-career professionals and creating opportunities for young engineers to learn, develop and progress within the profession.
Judging panel
The 2026 judging panel was chaired by Adrian Catchpole, CIBSE Past President, Chairman of Johns Slater and Haward Consulting Engineers, and Chair of the YEA 2026 Judging Panel.
The judges assessed the finalists across the various categories, recognising those who demonstrated exceptional technical ability, commitment, innovation and potential to make a lasting contribution to the building engineering profession.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners
CIBSE would like to thank all of the sponsors and partners whose support helped make the 2026 awards possible.
Headline Sponsor
Daikin
Employer of the Year Sponsor
CIBSE Patrons
Undergraduate of the Year Sponsor
Georg Fischer
Graduate of the Year Sponsor
Swegon
Apprentice of the Year Sponsor
Troup Bywaters + Anders
Drinks and Hospitality Sponsor
Soler & Palau
2026 Partners
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA)
Building Engineering Services Association (BESA)
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, finalists and nominees. Their achievements demonstrate the strength and potential of the next generation of building engineers, while the commitment of their employers shows the importance of investing in the people who will shape the future of the profession.
CIBSE looks forward to continuing to support and celebrate the next generation of engineering talent.
To register your interest in the CIBSE Young Engineers Awards 2027, either as an entrant or sponsor, please visit CIBSE Young Engineers Awards 2027 - Entry Interest
To view the CIBSE Young Engineers Awards 2026 winners, please visit CIBSE Young Engineers Awards Winners