Young Architect of the Year Award has helped launch many careers over past two decades

YAYA winners_Office S and M_Valetta House

Source: Office S&M

Valetta House

Office S&M has won the 2020 Young Architect of the Year Award.

YAYA winners_Office S and M_Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen_ Young Architect of the Year Award

Source: Office S&M

Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen of 2020 YAYA winner Office S&M

Office S&M was founded seven years ago by Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen and is now a firm of four known for its playful projects and experimental approach to materials.

The practice has worked on new-build housing, workspace retrofit and public realm projects for public and private clients.

Its YAYA entry included two jazzy extensions and a £205,000 pistachio-and-pink build-to-rent house that completes a terrace in Newham, east London, with a head-turning flourish.

They say: “By putting an emphasis on being inventive, we find opportunities where others see an obstacle. Joyful design is embedded in our DNA, and we use colour as a building material.”

Office S and M_YAYA entry house_01

Source: Office S&M

Salmen House in Newham

Building Design’s YAYA prize has been the launchpad of many careers, including Niall McLaughlin, Coffey Architects and Carmody Groarke, which a decade later went on to win the overall AYA Gold Award.

YAYA winners_Office S and M_Janus House

Source: Office S&M

Janus House

>> Discover all the winners from this year’s Architect of the Year Awards

>> Julia Park named Architect Leader of the Year

AYA 2020 judging panel

Chaired by Thomas Lane, Assemble Media Group

Jamie Fobert, director, Jamie Fobert Architects

Mary Duggan, founder, Mary Duggan Architects

Phil Tait, head of development, British Land

Kay Hughes, design director, HS2 Ltd

Liz Smith, head of architecture, Purcell

Rab Bennetts, co-founder, Bennetts Associates

Julia Barfield, director, Marks Barfield Architects

Patrick Bellew, principal, Atelier Ten

Mary Bowman, partner, Gustafson Porter & Bowman

Colm Lacey, chief executive, Brick by Brick

David Rudlin, principal, Urbed

Elizabeth Hopkirk, assistant editor, Building Design

YAYA winners_Office S and M_Valetta House stair

Source: Office S&M

Valetta House by 2020 YAYA winner Office S&M