Find out how 2018 G4C Future Leader has developed her career

Constructing Excellence

Last year has been transformational for me and my career; I grew in my role, gained a promotion and stepped into a position of regional G4C co-chair. Training opportunities very kindly presented to me by BRE as a part of G4C National Future Leader Award have played a significant role in my progression allowing me to develop expertise in sustainable design and construction.

Development of knowledge and skill in sustainable construction practices in the context of the Climate Emergency declared this year becomes both a moral and professional obligation for all professionals working in the industry. Access to training at BRE Academy could not have come at a better time and have given me a head start. Webinars and training courses that I have completed allowed me to deepen my understanding of processes and considerations that support the delivery of sustainable projects and supported me in developing passion and expertise towards the topic. On the back of this opportunity I became a BREEAM Accredited Professional and currently undertaking training towards European Passive House Designer certification.

According to Mike Jaggs, Head of the BRE Academy ‘At BRE Academy we are committed to supporting life-long learning and development.  We are delighted to support the G4C Future Leader and thrilled by how Irina has used this opportunity to develop tangible skills and qualifications that will help advance her career.’

At FaulknerBrowns Architects I have found myself leading the design and delivery of a major sports facility for the University of Portsmouth which aims to raise the national benchmark for sustainable design and has become the first building of its type to receive BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ design stage certificate. The project’s high sustainability aspirations together with challenging operational energy targets allow me to put all the developed knowledge into practice, test new ideas and innovate.

In May this year I have taken on the role of a Co-chair of the G4C North East committee and I would like to use this opportunity to share my developing knowledge and passion of the topic with colleges across the region. As a part of a new direction of the G4C in the North East, we have formed Theme Groups with a group focussing Sustainability. The group is working towards raising awareness of the issues associated with climate change, building an understanding the impact of the industry and collecting regional experience of sustainable practices. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the group and informing its activity.

I believe that this gained knowledge in combination with my architectural and urban design skills will not only help me to become a better professional but will allow me to share my knowledge helping to develop the regional skill base.

Irina Korneychuk is an Associate Architectural and Urban Designer at FaulknerBrowns, Co-Chair of G4C North East Committee