We were proud to support the Women in Architecture Design Competition, an initiative led by the FCDO British Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, alongside fellow international practices Chapman Taylor and ZHA Architects.

The competition, open to female students from the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, challenged participants to explore the theme 'Water – A Shared Urban Challenge'. The brief encouraged students to respond creatively to pressing urban issues surrounding water scarcity, sustainability and future city-making through art, architecture and environmental design.

Working closely with the British Embassy, we helped shape the competition brief and served on the expert jury, evaluating submissions that demonstrated innovation, creativity and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban environments.

The challenge invited students to imagine how water-conscious design could transform the revitalisation of White City, Baku, creating more resilient, inclusive and sustainable places for future generations. Participants were encouraged to bridge the worlds of art and architecture, developing concepts that explored the relationship between people, place and environmental responsibility.

Following an exhibition of the shortlisted entries and an awards ceremony attended by UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan & Central Asia, Lord Alderdice, we selected four winning students.

As part of their prize, the winners, accompanied by academic representatives from both universities, visited our Covent Garden studio on 15 July. During the visit, students took part in a presentation and interactive workshop focused on 'Cultural Tourism – Driving Inclusive Communities to Foster Resilience and Empowerment'.

The session highlighted how architecture and placemaking can support sustainable growth, featuring insights from our work on the Sea Breeze masterplan in Azerbaijan. The visit provided an opportunity for students to engage directly with our architects and designers, gain professional insights and explore how ideas developed through the competition can influence future urban development.

The initiative forms part of our wider ambition to support emerging female talent in architecture, creating opportunities for international collaboration, professional development and knowledge exchange between the UK and Azerbaijan