Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) and Design Insider are proud to launch the Next Generation Awards 2025 student award, an initiative dedicated to showcasing the creativity and innovation of the UK’s second-year Interior Design Degree students. With the generous sponsorship of Silentnight, this year’s awards promise to be even more exciting, offering students an unparalleled platform to shine.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Success and Inspiration
The 2024 awards set a high benchmark, with exceptional entries from universities across the UK. The grand event at Halle St Peters in Manchester was filled with a fantastic atmosphere, celebrating the future of the commercial interiors industry. The competition culminated in the well-deserved victory of Maddie Benn-Banham from Sheffield Hallam University. Maddie’s design, inspired by the industrious spirit of Manchester, captivated the judges with its innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail. Her exploration of the complex interplay between individuality and community through the symbolism of bees left a lasting impression.
As Maddie embarks on her prize-winning two-week work placement with SpaceInvader, we are excited to see how she will continue to develop her craft, and we look forward to following her journey in the industry. The 2024 awards not only celebrated emerging talent but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration within the commercial interiors sector. The evening was a testament to the passion and dedication of the next generation of designers.
2024 Next Generation Award Winner: Maddie Benn-Banham from Sheffield Hallam University
The 2025 Prize: An Opportunity with Jolie
For the 2025 edition, CIUK is thrilled to announce that the winning student will receive a two-week work placement with the multi-award-winning interior design agency, Jolie. Known for creating spaces that transcend traditional aesthetics, Jolie focuses on immersive, multi-sensory experiences that balance creativity with technical capability and functionality. The agency’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding human behaviour, with collaborations involving neuroscientists to enhance sensory experiences in their designs.
Sarah Wakefield, Creative Director at Jolie, will lead the winning student through this transformative experience. Sarah and her team are passionate about crafting environments that evoke real, emotionally driven experiences, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the innovative spirit of the Next Generation Awards. This placement offers a rare opportunity for the winner to gain hands-on experience at a leading design studio, with travel and accommodation expenses covered by CIUK.
Judge, Sarah Wakefield, Creative Director at Jolie
The winner will also be honoured at the prestigious Commercial Interiors UK Next Generation Awards on 24th April 2025 in Manchester, where they will be awarded their prize in front of industry leaders and peers.
Meet the Judges: Guiding the Next Generation
The 2025 judging panel boasts a lineup of esteemed professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the evaluation process. Joining us this year are:
Sarah Wakefield, Creative Director at Jolie: Sarah’s expertise in creating multi-sensory, immersive spaces will be invaluable in assessing the students’ ability to push the boundaries of interior design.
Diana Celella, Interior Designer at The Drawing Room Interiors: Diana’s extensive experience in the industry, combined with her keen eye for detail, makes her a formidable judge, dedicated to identifying the next wave of design talent.
Alys Bryan, Editorial & Marketing Director at Design Insider & CIUK: Alys brings a deep understanding of industry trends and the potential of emerging designers, ensuring that the most innovative and impactful designs are recognized.
Sponsorship by Silentnight: Supporting the Future of Design
Silentnight is to support rising interior design stars of tomorrow's hospitality.
Silentnight Contract specialises in flexible, scientifically proven sleep solutions for every hospitality experience. Our trusted brands and handmade products, crafted in the UK, undergo rigorous testing for durability, comfort, and safety. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and customer service, we deliver excellence backed by continuous sleep science research.
Expanding the Awards: New Categories for CIUK Members
In addition to the student award, this year we are excited to introduce four new categories that recognize and reward excellence within the business of Commercial Interiors UK members. These categories are designed to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals across our sector, highlighting achievements in apprenticeships, production leadership, senior leadership and marketing.
We encourage all CIUK members to explore these categories and participate in celebrating the best of our industry. Full details on the categories, criteria, and how to enter can be found here.
Join Us in Celebrating Tomorrow’s Design Leaders
The Next Generation Awards 2025 are not just about recognizing talent; they are about fostering the future of the industry. As we embark on this year’s journey, we invite universities and industry professionals to be a part of this exciting initiative. Whether through participation or attending the Next Generation Awards event, your involvement will help shape the future of commercial interiors in the UK.
If you are a university wishing to participate, please email awards@commercial-interiorsuk.com to register your interest.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to the event, and mark your calendars for what promises to be another extraordinary celebration of excellence!