Architecture student win prestigious Starki prize

22 June 2026

Dylan Longman is graduating with a degree in Architecture this year and is also the proud winner of the Starki Architecture Prize for the best technical research model.

Dylan Longman winner of the Starki Architecture prize with lecturer Ryan Stucky

Dylan, who lives in Neath, began his academic journey at UWTSD when he applied for a place on the BSc Architecture course so that he could follow his passion for design, community regeneration, and creating spaces that improve places for people and communities.

Three years later he is graduating and is celebrating his prize for the best full-scale 1:1 construction model as part of the final year design project. The model explored the complete wall build-up used within his architectural proposal, allowing him to investigate how individual materials and construction systems come together in a real building.

Dylan says: “Receiving the Starki Prize was a huge honour, particularly at the End of Year Show where the work of students from across the course is displayed. The model allowed me to bridge the gap between design and construction, giving me practical experience of how buildings are assembled in the real world. Building it by hand taught me a great deal about construction techniques, material selection, and technical detailing, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that work recognised through the award. I’d also like to thank Huw Llewelyn and the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) team for their guidance and support throughout the project, which played a key role in helping me bring the model to life.”

Dylan says that he really enjoyed the opportunity to take an idea from a simple concept through to a fully developed design as part of the course. He explains: “I enjoyed the combination of creativity and technical problem-solving that architecture requires. Studio projects encouraged us to think critically about how buildings affect people and communities, while also developing practical skills that are directly relevant to professional practice. Seeing projects evolve over time was incredibly rewarding.

Having developed his interest in design at an early age, Dylan studied construction and the built environment at Neath College before progressing to Architecture at UWTSD.

Although Dylan knew he wanted a career within the built environment, he was initially unsure whether university was the right next step after completing his Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Neath College.

“The course covered a wide range of construction-related subjects, which gave me a broad understanding of the industry but also made it difficult to decide which career path I wanted to follow,” he explains. “At the time I wasn’t certain that I wanted to go straight back into education, so I delayed making any university applications.”

After discussions with his family and reflecting on the subjects he had enjoyed most during college, Dylan realised that architecture and design had always been the areas that interested him the most. By then, however, the normal university application period had passed, leading him to explore the Clearing process.

“I applied through Clearing and found the whole experience much easier and more straightforward than I expected,” says Dylan. “After submitting my application, I was quickly put in contact with a member of staff overseeing the process. Following a short conversation, my details were passed on to Ian Standen from the Architecture course, who invited me to attend an open day later that week. From that point onwards everything fell into place and the rest is history.”

“The admissions team were friendly, supportive, and easy to contact throughout the process. They clearly explained each step and answered any questions I had, making the transition into university straightforward and reassuring. The support I received gave me confidence that I had made the right choice, and from my first interaction with the university I felt welcomed and valued as a student”.

Dylan believes the experience demonstrates how accessible Clearing can be for students who may be unsure about their future plans or who have missed traditional application deadlines.

“I would absolutely recommend Clearing to anyone who finds themselves in a similar position. Whether you’ve left your application late because you’re still deciding what you want to do, as I was, or you’ve simply missed the deadline, the process is there to help. My experience was straightforward, supportive, and stress-free, and it ultimately led me to a course and career path that I genuinely love.”

“The Architecture course has offered me the opportunity to develop both technical and design skills while working on real-world projects. The smaller class sizes also appealed to me, as they allowed for more individual support and closer relationships with lecturers. Being able to study close to home while still receiving a high-quality education made UWTSD the perfect choice”.

He says that his decision to join UWTSD has given him the opportunity to grow not only academically but also personally. Like many students, he found balancing academic deadlines with personal commitments sometimes challenging but developed his organisational and time-management skills by planning projects carefully, and making use of support available from lecturers and peers when he needed.

“The supportive lecturers, welcoming community, and practical approach to learning created an environment where I could develop confidence and achieve my goals”, Dylan explains. “The course provided valuable real-world experience and prepared me well for the next stage of my career. I would highly recommend UWTSD to anyone looking for a supportive university experience and a high-quality education.

“My favourite thing about studying in Swansea was the atmosphere. The campus always felt welcoming and supportive and being close to the city centre and waterfront created a great environment to study and socialise. The studio culture was particularly important, as it encouraged collaboration, creativity, and the sharing of ideas between students from different year groups. The lecturers were approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed, which made the experience even more enjoyable”.

Ian Standen, Programme Director for Architecture said: “I am so pleased that Dylan found his path in to architecture. He has been an exemplar student with his organisational skills, work ethic, determination and enthusiastic interest in design and making. I wish him all the best for his future career.”

Outside of his studies, Dylan enjoys exploring architecture and design, whether through visiting new places, researching buildings, or finding inspiration from films, art, and music. These interests, he says, have helped him maintain a healthy balance between academic work and personal life throughout his degree.

He is now looking forward to becoming a qualified architect and working on projects that have a positive impact on communities. “I would like to contribute to creating better places for people to live, work, and socialise”, he says. “I am particularly interested in designing spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to local communities”.