James Jackson, Senior Structural Engineer at BDP, introduces Designing Connections, a new design competition created in partnership with the Institution of Structural Engineers’ London Young Members’ Group (LYMG). The event aims to bring together young architects and engineers for an evening of creative collaboration and learning.


Are you a young architect or engineer eager to collaborate, learn, and showcase your creative thinking? The Institution of Structural Engineers’ London Young Members’ Group (LYMG), in partnership with BDP, is inviting you to take part in its first-ever design competition — an evening dedicated to imagination, teamwork, and interdisciplinary design.

Bringing Disciplines Together

This two-hour, fast-paced challenge is designed to unite structural engineers and architects under 35, providing a platform to connect, collaborate and create. Engineers and architects are the life-blood of the design industry as BDP knows well – as one of the UK’s largest firms combining architecture and structural engineering, collaboration is in the DNA of BDP. This competition is the perfect opportunity for young professionals from across the industry to kick-start their network across professions in a creative and inviting atmosphere.

Hosted at the Institution of Structural Engineers headquarters in London, the event encourages participants to showcase their own creative skills, whilst also learning to integrate their designs in a wider, project-based context. The design competition will give you chance to explore the connections between architecture and engineering — celebrating the shared language of design.

Participants will be placed into mixed-discipline teams, where they’ll tackle an exciting and unique design brief together. Each group will be challenged to think creatively and strategically, balancing innovation with practicality — the essence of real-world design collaboration. The competition will be judged by a fantastic set of industry experts, bringing together architectural and structural knowledge to give competitors real world feedback.

Tickets to the event are absolutely free and entries are open to students and professionals alike. Tickets can be found on the Institution of Structural Engineer’s Eventbrite.

Event Details

The competition runs in person over three hours, with refreshments and all essential materials provided. Entrants are encouraged to bring their own stationery or design tools to help bring their ideas to life.

Whether you’re an architecture student, a structural engineer in training, or an emerging professional, this event offers a unique opportunity to build your network, gain insight into other disciplines, and test your skills in a dynamic and social setting.

Why Take Part?

At the end of the evening, entries will be judged by an expert panel, with prizes awarded for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Join Us

The LYMG Design Competition promises to be an inspiring and energetic event, celebrating the next generation of design thinkers. Whether you come to win, learn, or simply connect with others who share your passion for the built environment, you’ll leave with new insights — and new friends.