Tuesday, 23 September 2025
Architect Degree Apprentice Named Finalist for Apprentice of the Year
We are pleased to share the success of Sofia Coviello, one of our talented Architect degree apprentices, who has been named a finalist for Apprentice of the Year in the East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards 2025.
The East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Apprentice of the Year award celebrates female apprentices who are not only excelling in their academic journey but also making a real impact within their organisations, just like Sofia.
Since joining IMA Architects in March 2021, Sofia has demonstrated exceptional dedication, growth, and passion. Enrolling onto the University of Nottingham's Architect Degree Apprenticeship, she has balanced academic learning with thoughtful, practical design at work. This commitment has seen her grow from supporting roles to leading design packages, managing client relationships, and championing innovation across the practice.
“Since joining us, Sofia has shown exceptional dedication, growth, and passion for architecture. Throughout the Architect Degree Apprenticeship, she has balanced academic study with practical design, progressing from supporting roles to leading design packages, managing client relationships, and driving innovation across the practice. We are very proud of her achievements and the positive impact she has made on both our projects and her colleagues.”
Our Architect Degree Apprenticeship allows apprentices, like Sofia, the time to research and develop specialist knowledge that can be applied directly to their practice. Validated by RIBA and delivered in the university’s world top 100 Department of Architecture and Built Environment, the apprenticeship provides a supportive academic environment, expert teaching, and the opportunity to build strong industry networks, all of which have helped Sofia thrive.
As part of her role at IMA Architects, Sofia has played a key role in delivering high-profile projects, including a new cold-store facility for a major UK-based frozen meal company. Her time on programme has equipped her with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to confidently test innovative ideas and explore the practical impact of research and development within a live project environment.
Beyond her project work, Sofia is passionate about knowledge sharing and professional development within her practice. She has taken the lead in introducing internal ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and has created a series of how-to guides to help colleagues navigate new architectural tools and methodologies. These initiatives demonstrate her leadership skills and commitment to continuous learning. Sofia’s contribution highlights how our Architect Degree Apprenticeship not only supports individual growth but also brings wider benefits to practices by enhancing internal knowledge-sharing and professional development.
“The apprenticeship route has provided me with invaluable opportunities that would not have been available through a traditional educational pathway. It has enabled me to become qualified whilst gaining extensive practical experience, and to develop a robust network of industry professionals. Moreover, it has given me the confidence to assume leadership responsibilities and advocate for progress - whether through sustainable practice, digital transformation, or promoting inclusivity in the construction industry.
“Each of these achievements has contributed to my development as a competent and forward-thinking aspiring architect. I am very happy to have been named a finalist for the Enterprising Women Apprentice of the Year award for East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire). I’m excited for the future and am immensely grateful for the apprenticeship journey that has prepared me for the next stage in my professional career.”
We are proud of what Sofia has achieved so far and wish her the best for the awards ceremony on Friday 26 September at Winstanley House, Leicester.