Bio:
The great designer, Neba Sere is an architectural designer and Central Saint Martins graduate whose interest lies in citizen-led initiatives. She has demonstrated her ongoing commitment to driving change within built environment through her work as Co-Founder & Director BFA (Black Females in Architecture), facilitator and educator at Build Up Foundation and Young Trustee of the Architecture Foundation, which were featured in the Mayor of London’s Handbook Supporting Diversity in June 2019.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
When I was in school, I had a keen interest in design, art and mathematics and wanted to pursue a profession that allowed me merge my interests and continue working with the subjects that I enjoyed whilst serving the public.

What do you do?
I’m a Youth Construction Leader at Build Up Foundation, architectural designer at Penoyre & Prasad Architects, managing the consultation & engagement with stakeholders on large scale civic projects such as UCL IOE Institute of Education Masterplan.

What excites you in the work you do?
Working with people that have different ideas, opinions and wishes. Listening & understanding their needs and letting that be the guideline for my work. Seeing your design work well within it’s urban context and for the people who use it.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by projects that have a social purpose and impact. I believe it is crucial to make sure we work with our local communities when planning for the city and delivering new projects.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Co-founding and running BFA with an incredible team of women who I am learning from every day, supporting a growing number of 300 black and black-mixed heritage women excelling at studying, working and practicing within the built environment.

Featured Project Name: 
The Shade, Aldriche Way

Featured Project Location: 
Highams Park, London
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2018

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Manager & Youth Construction Leader
 
Featured Project Description:
The Shade is a new community space that was designed and built by the young people that live there. Over 60 local young people were involved in the project and their main objective was to create a space that the whole community could use and enjoy together. With the help of Build Ups design & construction professionals, they designed and built a new garden, table tennis, stage, seating and BBQ area.

Photography Credit:
Jenna Selby and Neba Sere