HS2 design chair Sadie Morgan wins First Woman award

Sadie Morgan, chair of the independent design panel for HS2 and founding director of dRMM Architects has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the built environment.

Bernadette Ballantyne
17 June 2015

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The CBI First Women Award founded by Real Business and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), recognises the foremost female leaders working within senior-level business in the UK.

"She has brought about change within the architectural industry through her balanced, relaxed and empowering management style," said the judging panel. "Now, she is not only in a position to empower women, but more importantly, how to go about doing this is at the forefront of her mind."

"Women bring vibrancy and sensitivity to the world of design and architecture, their presence leading to new aesthetic approaches and improved working practices," Sadie Morgan.

Morgan's career has been characterized by a multi-faceted role that includes designing, business management and procurement. Along with her co-founders, Sadie has been fundamental in establishing dRMM Architects as one of the most innovative and exciting firms in British architecture. In 2013 she became the youngest and only the fourth woman President of the Architectural Association (AA).

In March of this year she was selected by the Secretary of State for Transport to become the design chair for HS2.

Congratulating Morgan on her award, HS2 Ltd chief executive, Simon Kirby said: "I’m extremely pleased Sadie’s achievements have been recognised with this award. As HS2’s Design Panel chair Sadie will play an important role in delivering High Speed Two and ensuring it is one of the best high speed rail networks in the world."

"Women bring vibrancy and sensitivity to the world of design and architecture, their presence leading to new aesthetic approaches and improved working practices," said Morgan. "But we achieve the best results when we combine our strengths and talents with male colleagues. By building on the mutual respect that such collaboration brings, we can create the parity between genders that we’re all striving for. It’s my privilege to play a part in achieving this"