3DReid Student Prize 2025 winner, Emelie Fraser, UK architectural award news, British higher education designs

3DReid Student Prize 2025

Emelie Fraser, Glasgow Mackintosh School of Architecture, wins British Architectural Student Award.

25 July 2025

3DReid Student Prize 2025 – Winner Announced

3DReid is proud to announce the winner of its 19th annual Student Prize: Emelie Fraser from the Glasgow Mackintosh School of Architecture, recognised for her thought-provoking project “O Parque dos Mortos.” Emelie’s work explores the emotional and architectural dimensions of death, proposing cemeteries as spaces for reflection, healing, and urban renewal.

Each year, tutors across the UK nominate one outstanding Part II architecture student to compete for the £1,000 prize. This year’s competition saw over 20 entries from leading architecture schools nationwide, and the calibre of submissions was exceptional.

3DReid Student Prize 2023 Shortlist

The finalists presented their projects at Material Source Studio in Manchester to an esteemed panel of judges:

Ono Odudu, Development Director, FEC
Emily Bagshaw, Creative, Material Source
Euan McLaren, Director, 3DReid
Claire Hawkins, Architect, 3DReid
Jenny Hall, Architect, 3DReid

The 2025 shortlist impressed the judging panel with creative storytelling, sensitive conceptual approaches, and visually rich presentations including animations, models, drawings and immersive film work. Students explored a range of themes. From a not-so-dystopian future where all pollinator species have disappeared, to the genocide in Gaza and the urgent need to help humans survive; from the right to dignify death by legalising euthanasia and creating meaningful spaces for the final journey, to the interconnected relationship between dementia care, repopulation of abandoned areas, and decontamination of radioactive soil; and finally, to the bold and futuristic celebration of the Anthropocene—each project delivered high-quality work in diverse and compelling ways.

Judges commended “O Parque dos Mortos” for its sensitive exploration of mortality and graceful architectural response to grieving and remembrance. The project reimagines cemeteries not simply as places of burial, but as urban sanctuaries for contemplation, celebrating memory and allowing for moments of peace amid city life.

“Being part of the Student Prize is a moment of growth and enrichment. Each project inspires with its themes, responses and execution. Choosing just one winner gets tougher every year. We’re proud to continue this tradition and grateful to learn something new each time.” – Annalisa Palo, 3DReid

Honourable mentions go to this year’s exceptional runners up:

Drew Rumgay, University of Dundee
James Fan, Royal College of Art, London
Kaja Hayes, University of Greenwich
Lee Thackray, Northumbria University

Congratulations to Emelie Fraser and all the finalists. Your imagination and ingenuity signal a bright future for architecture.

Judges 2025, LtoR – Emily Bagshaw ; Ono Odudu ; Jenny Hall ; Claire Hawkins ; Euan McLaren:

Students 2025, LtoR – Lee Thackray ; Emelia Fraser ; Kaja Heyes ; Drew Rumgay ; James Fan:

Visuals: © 3DReid 2025

Emelie Fraser presenting her project:

3DReid Student Prize

Now in its 19th Year, the 3DReid Student Prize is the largest independent Prize for Part II architecture students. All Schools of Architecture in the UK are invited to nominate students.

The prize gives students and architecture schools a platform to show their best work and engage with the industry, raising profiles and improving job prospects.

Judging criteria for the 3DReid Student Prize

Awareness – of environmental, social and cultural issues

Originality – in responding to the issues
Communication – how the response is overall presented, with a particular accent on the graphic skills

For more information about 3DReid, please go to:

www.3DReid.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/3dreid-ltd

Previously on e-architect

3DReid Student Prize 2023 Shortlist

3DReid Student Prize 2023

Five finalists for the 3DReid Student Prize 2023:

3DReid Student Prize 2023 Finalists’ Entries

Julia Lauri De Funes, Leicester School of Architecture
A Ballet of Land, Sea and Life through Architecture
3DReid Student Prize 2023 design by Julia Lauri De Funes:

Eloise Collier, Oxford Brookes
S-CAM Station
3DReid Student Prize 2023 design by Eloise Collier:

Eleanor Harding, The London School of Architecture
Nobody Wants to Live in a Care Home
3DReid Student Prize 2023 design by Eleanor Harding:

Warren D’Souza, University of Bath
Threads of Time
3DReid Student Prize 2023 design by Warren D’Souza:

Beatrice Ryan, University of Dundee
Growing Beyond Trauma
3DReid Student Prize 2023 design by Beatrice Ryan:

Visuals © 3DReid 2023

3DReid Architects

About 3DReid

3DReid is an award-winning creative architecture and interior design studio specialising in the design and delivery of complex new-build and refurbishment projects.

3DReid’s team of over 110 people work across five UK studios in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London. We believe that the best buildings and places come from a culture of open discussion and collaboration. The student prize is an opportunity to encourage and promote the next generation of architects and the topics that matter to them.

The team has extensive experience and an impressive track record working with a range of sectors. Cross sector experience includes Aviation & Rail, Culture & Community, Education, Hospitality, Industry & Technology, Residential, Retail & Leisure and Workplace.

3DReid Student Prize 2021

For more information about 3DReid, please go to:

www.3DReid.com

(at)3_D_Reid