IMA Architects’ Sofia Coviello has been named as an Apprentice of the Year finalist in the East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards.
This award recognises the rising stars who will become the business leaders of tomorrow and is open to all current or past apprentices who can demonstrate how they have made an exceptional contribution to their workplace or have taken on responsibility to shine within their organisation.
Sofia joined Leicestershire-based IMA Architects in March 2021 and has since experienced substantial personal and professional growth. Shortly after joining the IMA team, Sofia commenced the Level 7 Architectural Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham.
Balancing full-time professional responsibilities with the demands of academic study has been one of her most significant yet rewarding challenges and have been instrumental in shaping her into a more well-rounded practitioner.
Ben Hall, managing director at IMA, said: “Since joining IMA as our first ever apprentice, Sofia has made a remarkable impact on both project delivery and team culture. Alongside her Architect Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Nottingham, she has taken on client-facing responsibilities, introduced new ways of working, and championed sustainability across the practice.
“Her creativity, professionalism and commitment embody the best of what apprenticeships bring to our industry. Being shortlisted for this award is well-deserved recognition of her contribution to IMA and the wider architectural community.”
As an apprentice at IMA, Sofia has progressed from supportive roles to leading design packages and managing client relationships. She has also taken a proactive role in supporting professional development across the practice through lunch-and-learn sessions and developing how-to-guides to help colleagues navigate evolving architectural tools and methodologies.
Alongside her academic development, Sofia’s professional experience at IMA has included contributing to the design and delivery of large-scale distribution centres, including multiple Lidl RDCs and a new cold-store facility for a leading UK-based frozen meal company.
IMA Architects have also been involved in the delivery of data centres in the UK, for which Sofia has taken a key role, working directly with contractors in a sector that is rapidly expanding due to the demands of digital infrastructure.
Talking about her apprenticeship and reflecting on the shortlisting, Sofia said: “The apprenticeship route at IMA has provided me with invaluable opportunities that would not have been available through a traditional educational pathway.
“It has enabled me to become qualified whilst gaining extensive practical experience, and to develop a robust network of industry professionals. Moreover, it has given me the confidence to assume leadership responsibilities and advocate for progress – whether through sustainable practice, digital transformation, or promoting inclusivity in the construction industry.
“Each of these achievements has contributed to my development as a competent and forward-thinking aspiring architect. I’m very happy to have been named as a finalist for the East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards. I’m excited for the future and am immensely grateful for the apprenticeship journey that has prepared me for the next stage in my professional career.”
The East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26 for Leicestershire will be held at Leicester City Football Club on Thursday 26 February 2026.
