On 18 March, the Digital Construction Awards (DCA) are uniting the industry to celebrate the best in digital innovation. But what really separates a good entry from a winning one?
Meet DCA judge Sagal Rooble, as she reveals what catches her eye, what excellence looks like, and what she’s most excited to see this year.
What does 'award-worthy' actually mean to you?
To me, award-worthy work is about being recognised for contributing to something bigger than yourself. Awards are rarely the result of one person’s efforts; they reflect the collective value created by many people working towards a shared goal. When that work is acknowledged, it reinforces that what you’re doing is meaningful, adds value, and positively contributes to the built environment.
What makes you lean forward when reading an entry?
I’m drawn to entries I can relate to or learn from. Even if the solution sits outside my immediate remit, I value ideas that are engaging, well thought through, and offer a clear benefit to the wider industry. A strong concept paired with a practical solution always stands out.
If you could ban one thing from award submissions, what would it be?
Overly generic claims that lack evidence or substance. Submissions should demonstrate real impact rather than relying on buzzwords or vague statements.
What do you hope to see more of in future award entries?
I would like to see greater recognition of the role academia plays in shaping innovation. Often, the ideas behind new solutions have roots in academic research, and acknowledging this connection strengthens the credibility and depth of an entry.
What excites you most about being on the judging panel this year?
With the rapid rise of AI, I’m particularly excited to see how people are using it in practice how it’s improving workflows, supporting better decision-making, and enabling designers to use large language models to their advantage in meaningful and responsible ways.
About the judge
Sagal Rooble leads the integration of technology and data into architectural design to support more resilient and sustainable spaces. As part of Chetwoods Works team, she champions digital delivery, using innovative tools across both new builds and retrofit assets. Sagal champions a data-centric approach placing data at the heart of design decision-making. Alongside her role, Sagal is pursuing a PhD at the University of Wolverhampton, exploring emotional responses to architectural design – a field she is deeply passionate about. With broad experience in the construction industry, her expertise spans digital surveying, project automation, BIM, and digital twins.