To enter the Grand Design 3D Architect Competition, by Channel Four programme Grand Designs - in conjunction with the 4Homes website - 15-year-old Luke Thomas was required to design a house, based on his own ideas, requirements and specification.

Luke's prize was a full copy of the Arcon 3D Architect, which is state of the art computer software.
Luke said: "My first reaction when informed I was one of the winners was "how could it be me?"

He continued: "I was probably competing against proper architects because the competition was open to everyone. I feel happy that I have designed a house that people liked and chose for a reason."
The teenager, who intends to pursue a career in architecture, said he entered the competition because he enjoyed designing new houses and buildings and thought it would give him an insight and experience of what architecture is like.

He said:"I decided to study art as one of my GCSEs, as this subject is one of the requirements I need in order to go on a course to become an architect."

Luke's design, which took him more than 15 hours during a two-week period, consists of a large house with its main feature being a turret which has a spiral staircase and circular windows, giving the house a castle-type effect in one corner.

He added: "I was constantly checking room layouts and ensuring every measurement was correct before I submitted my entry."