Meet the finalists: BCO Ideas Competition 2026

After receiving a bumper crop of fantastic ideas for this year’s BCO Ideas Competition, an expert team managed to whittle down the more than 20 submissions to just six.

Entries came in from each region and showcased an impressive range of innovative thinking, creativity and opportunities to change the way we work – for the better!

But only six could make it through to the next stage of the competition, in which they’ll received three days of award-winning public speaking training from our friends at Ginger Leadership Communications, will be paired with a mentor from last year’s competition and be connected with a senior industry player to help then refine and perfect their idea ahead of our grand finale on 22 October.

Tickets for what promises to be the most inspiring, education and career-enhancing event in the calendar this year go on sale soon.

This year’s finalists are:

Stephin Abraham, Gensler

Stephin Abraham is a computational designer based in Birmingham, with experience in parametric design, spatial planning, and digital workflows.

He has worked extensively with data-driven design tools and is currently exploring innovative approaches to layout generation using machine learning and computational design.

Abraham is passionate about bridging AI, design and technology to deliver efficient, scalable solutions in the built environment.

Leelou Coppleman, OD Group

Leelou Coppleman is a commercial manager at ODGroup, where she helps deliver Cat A and Cat B workplace fit-out projects across London.

Working across commercial management, design coordination and client engagement, she is passionate about bringing together creative ideas and commercial thinking to deliver workplaces that meet both business objectives and the needs of the people who use them.

Alla Elmahadi, P&G

Alla Elmahadi is an architect driven by a belief that great design creates lasting value for both people and society.

She recently joined Procter & Gamble as Europe architect & design manager, bringing several years of experience delivering commercial retrofit and workplace projects across London and internationally.

Beyond her professional practice, Elmahadi is deeply engaged in the nonprofit sector – working with the Sudanese Diaspora Network and serving as a co-founding board member of Article 25’s NextGen Board. There, she champions architecture’s capacity for community resilience, working closely with the next generation of youth and young professionals across the sector to drive positive social change.

Ewan Howell, Arup

Ewan Howell is an electrical engineer at Arup based in Birmingham. He joined Arup after graduating from the University of Nottingham with a First Class MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Since joining the firm, he has worked on major multidisciplinary projects and is developing expertise in electrical building services design while working towards chartered engineer status with the IET.

He has a strong interest in digital innovation, systems thinking and the role of AI in shaping the future of engineering.

Outside of project work, Howell is chair of Arup Birmingham’s charity committee and volunteers as an Envision mentor, supporting young people in developing skills and confidence for future careers.

Peter Joaki, Knight Frank

Peter Joaki has been in the industry for seven years, starting on the Degree Apprenticeship Pathway, which saw him study part time for a degree in Construction Management while working full time as a junior project manager across workspace sectors in retail and offices.

Joaki is a senior project manager in Knight Frank’s project and building consultancy team and is particularly passionate about shaping  the next iteration of digital innovations in offices and the workplace at large.

Ben Mead, Cundall

Ben Mead is a sustainability and building physics engineer at Cundall with a passion for digital innovation and building performance.

His work spans building physics, whole life carbon and ESG, with a particular interest in developing practical digital tools and innovative ideas that simplify complex challenges and support better decision making.

Passionate about the future of the industry, Mead also serves as vice chair of the BCO NextGen South West committee, helping to promote collaboration across the industry and inspire the next generation of professionals to share ideas, challenge convention and drive innovation.

This year’s Ideas Competition has been made possible through the valued support of Knight Frank, our Platinum partner, and NCG and Hawkins/Brown our Gold partners. Special thanks to NatWest for kindly hosting this year’s showcase event at its HQ at 250 Bishopsgate, London, on 22 October.

Tickets will go on sale shortly.

Find out more about the BCO’s NextGen activities by following us on LinkedIn and here.