LSA alumnus wins at Built Environment Awards 2026
LSA alumnus Dominic O’Dea recognised for humanitarian architecture at Built Environment Awards 2026
London School of Architecture graduate Dominic O’Dea has become the first LSA alumnus to win an Alumni Award at the University of the Built Environment’s annual awards ceremony since the two institutions merged. Renowned architect Professor Sadie Morgan OBE was also honoured for her outstanding contribution to architecture and design.
Dominic O’Dea, who graduated from the London School of Architecture (LSA) in 2025, has been recognised for his commitment to humanitarian architecture and his work exploring how design can improve lives in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Dominic received the Alumni Award at the 39th Built Environment Awards, held at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, London, on Thursday 8 October 2026. He is the first LSA graduate to receive the accolade since the School merged with the University of the Built Environment last year.
The ceremony also celebrated one of British architecture’s most influential figures, Professor Sadie Morgan OBE, co-founding director of Stirling Prize-winning practice dRMM, who received the headline Built Environment Award in recognition of her contribution to architecture, placemaking and design advocacy.
Architecture with a humanitarian purpose
For Dominic, architecture has always been about more than buildings. Growing up in south London before studying at the University of Liverpool, he developed an interest in the role architects can play in addressing social and humanitarian challenges.
His commitment to socially responsible design led him to volunteer with humanitarian architecture charity Article 25, contributing to healthcare projects in Nepal, Morocco and the Caribbean.
He went on to complete his Master of Architecture at the LSA in 2025, where his thesis, The Pursuit of Dignified Shelter, explored how architecture can support dignity and agency for people seeking asylum.
Since graduating, Dominic has continued to pursue architecture with a humanitarian purpose. He has worked with MissionGo on the redevelopment and expansion of the Kimia Leprosy Clinic in the Republic of the Congo, alongside research into sustainable responses to water scarcity.
He has recently taken up a position at sustainable architecture practice Studio Dash.
Reflecting on his award, Dominic said: “Shocked is probably a good word that comes to mind! I really wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with the other nominees.”
He added: “The last year for me was a bit tricky just with the job market and I couldn’t find a job so I decided to go and do something that interested me, which was the humanitarian side of it. So standing here now makes it feel like it meant something. When I’m doing it by myself it means something to me but now it really feels like I did the right thing. So I’m just very, very happy and very, very honoured.”
Presenting the award, University of the Built Environment Vice Chancellor Professor Ashley Wheaton said: “His work exemplifies the power of architecture to create meaningful social impact.”
He added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be awarding this to an alumnus of the London School of Architecture for the first time and we look forward to seeing where your career takes you next.”
Sadie Morgan OBE honoured for contribution to architecture
The afternoon also saw Professor Sadie Morgan OBE receive the prestigious Built Environment Award, which has recognised outstanding contributions to the sector since 1987.
As co-founding director of dRMM, Sadie has helped shape a practice celebrated for its innovative and socially engaged approach to architecture. Its projects include Hastings Pier, winner of the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize, and Maggie’s Oldham, a cancer support centre recognised for its pioneering use of engineered timber.
Beyond architectural practice, Sadie has been a prominent advocate for the importance of design in public policy, infrastructure and placemaking, holding advisory roles with organisations including Homes England, the National Infrastructure Commission and HS2.
She was awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to design advocacy in the built environment.
Presenting the award, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees Ros Kerslake described Sadie as “an incredible role-model to so many and a truly inspiring leader”.
She added: “Her work consistently demonstrates how architecture can strengthen communities, enhance wellbeing, and connect people to place.”
Accepting the award, Sadie said: “I’m completely thrilled, very overwhelmed!”
She added: “When you look at the past award winners, I’m definitely in incredible company, but I think in particular for me as a designer, and someone who has come into the built environment perhaps in a different respect to the award winners that have been before, it’s particularly important to highlight the importance of good design within the built environment.”
Celebrating the next generation of built environment professionals
The Built Environment Awards, formerly known as the Property Awards, brought together more than 150 industry leaders, alumni, students and partners to recognise achievement across the sector.
The event also celebrated the achievements of LSA-related nominee Chiara Barrett, an architect at Carmody Groarke, who was shortlisted for the Alumni Award.
The Academic Excellence Award was presented to Sophie Watts, a chartered surveyor at Savills and University of the Built Environment MSc Real Estate graduate, for her research into the social sustainability of regeneration in Elephant and Castle.
For the LSA, Dominic’s recognition marks an important milestone following the merger with the University of the Built Environment, highlighting the contribution its graduates are making to architectural practice and the wider world.
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