Graduate Design Competition 2025
Ryder is delighted to present the pro bono community project selected for its annual graduate design competition – a two day exercise bringing together 36 participants.
In response to a call for UK applications, Ryder partnered with Tyne Green Watersports Association (TGWA) in Hexham to support their vision of establishing a new Watersports Pavilion at Tyne Green Country Park.
Ryder’s annual graduate design competition gathers design assistants from various disciplines to apply new skills, lead a collaborative design process, and connect with colleagues, all while contributing to a community focused project.
Commenting on the process, Barney Hawkins, Hexham Rowing Club, said: “The exercise has proven very useful both in terms of crystallising, in our minds, our requirements for the new clubhouse. It has also stimulated interest and conversations within the club, and, through the imagination of your graduates, it has demonstrated what could be possible.”
The brief presented considerations in sustainability, flood resilience, and accessibility to create a pavilion that will enhance training capabilities and serve as a catalyst for fundraising, community engagement and future development.
The winning team comprised Eva Crozier, Lily-Ella Dawson, Mai Hoang Ngoc, Matilda Kenyon, Rebecca Neumann, and Samuel Wilson, and was selected by judges from Ryder’s architectural and placemaking teams, alongside TGWA.
Andrew Fong, urban designer at Ryder who coordinated this year’s competition, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Barney and the Rowing Club. It’s clear to see how passionate they are about the club, from shaping the brief to judging the competition in Cooper’s Studios. We’re looking forward to continuing the journey together.”
