• First Place: Peter Blevins, Northumbria University Newcastle
• Second Place: Day Johnson, Liverpool John Moores University
• Third Place: Patrick Levy, Liverpool John Moores University

The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the winners of its National Student Designer Award 2026, recognising outstanding student projects that demonstrate excellence in the application of Construction Design and Management (CDM) principles.

The annual award celebrates the next generation of designers who successfully embed health and safety, buildability, maintainability and long-term usability into their designs from the earliest stages of project development. This year's competition attracted an exceptionally strong field of entries, with judges praising the high standard of submissions and the innovative approaches taken to managing risk through design.

APS also recognised the contribution of this year's judging panel, comprising Helena Knight, Chris Bracewell, Callum Bunce and Sam Allwinkle, whose expertise helped identify the projects that best demonstrated the role of the Principal Designer in creating safer and more sustainable built environments.

First Place: Peter Blevins, Northumbria University Newcastle

The APS National Student Designer Award 2026 was awarded to Peter Blevins of Northumbria University Newcastle for his project, A Pier with Purpose: The Skegness Pier Extension.

The ambitious proposal reimagines the future of Skegness Pier through a 650-metre extension into the North Sea, incorporating a saltwater therapy spa, maritime rescue station, public lido and marina. Designed for one of the UK's most challenging coastal environments, the scheme places risk management at the heart of the design process.

Judges were particularly impressed by Peter's comprehensive approach to construction and operational safety. The project carefully addressed marine conditions, environmental protection, seabed geology, construction logistics and long-term maintenance requirements. Extensive use of off-site prefabrication and onshore assembly was highlighted as a key feature, significantly reducing risks associated with working over water.

The judging panel described the submission as an innovative and highly developed engineering design that demonstrated an exceptional understanding of CDM principles and the role of the Principal Designer.

Although unable to attend the awards ceremony, Peter was recognised as the overall winner of the competition.

Second Place: Day Johnson, Liverpool John Moores University

Second place was awarded to Day Johnson of Liverpool John Moores University for Corradini Commons, a civic building proposal forming part of the wider regeneration of the former Corradini industrial waterfront in Naples.

Designed as the principal gateway to a new community district, the project combines a food hall, community kitchen, assembly spaces and flexible learning environments within a highly adaptable building intended to evolve alongside community needs.

The judges praised Day's response to the challenges of regenerating a contaminated industrial site, highlighting the project's focus on environmental remediation, material reuse and community stewardship. Particular recognition was given to the thoughtful application of CDM principles through construction sequencing, off-site manufacturing, maintenance access, adaptability and future deconstruction planning.

The project was commended as a socially conscious and highly considered design that balances risk management with long-term community value.

Third Place: Patrick Levy, Liverpool John Moores University

Third place went to Patrick Levy of Liverpool John Moores University for Below the Waterline, a marine research and observation centre proposed as part of the regeneration of Naples' former Corradini industrial waterfront.

The scheme transforms a neglected post-industrial site into a hub for coastal habitat protection, ecological restoration and public engagement. The development incorporates research facilities, laboratories, educational spaces and exhibition areas across three interconnected buildings.

Judges highlighted Patrick's effective use of prefabricated glulam structures and cross-laminated timber systems, which reduce construction risks through off-site manufacture and streamlined assembly processes. They also praised the project's strong consideration of construction sequencing, maintenance planning and future adaptability.

The scheme demonstrated a clear focus on designing out hazards and embracing whole-life safety, with features that support inspection, maintenance and eventual deconstruction.

Recognising Future Design Leaders

APS said the winning projects exemplify the importance of integrating health and safety into the design process from the outset while delivering creative, sustainable and resilient solutions.

The organisation congratulated the winners, as well as the tutors, mentors and universities that supported them throughout their studies.

The three award-winning projects highlighted how emerging designers are embracing the responsibilities of the Principal Designer role and helping to shape a safer future for the construction industry.