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In POC in Architecture’s 14th Be Inspired feature, multidisciplinary designer Akmaral Khassen reflects on moving from Kazakhstan to the UK at 17 and how visa sponsorship shaped her early career. She talks about founding Studio Akmaral, her community-led work with POoR Collective, the London Festival of Architecture bench that became the foundation of her practice, and what international graduates still need from universities and practices.

In POC in Architecture’s 13th Be Inspired feature, British Nigerian designer and researcher Tireni Adeniji reflects on navigating the profession as a Black woman and the knowledge systems missing from architectural education. She talks about founding The A.K.A.N.I Toolkit, an Afrikan-centred design education practice, translating knowledge without extracting it, and why she chose to practise a different education rather than just argue for one.

In POC in Architecture’s 12th Be Inspired feature, architecture graduate, designer and content creator Noris Obijiaku reflects on growing up between Italy and South London and showing up authentically as a Black British man in the profession. He talks about founding TheDesignsSuite, his Civic Living thesis on restoring housing estates rather than demolishing them, breaking down gatekeeping through storytelling, and why confidence often arrives after you begin.

In POC in Architecture's 11th Be Inspired feature, spatial practitioner and content creator Tamunokuro Krukrubo reflects on growing up in Port Harcourt and questioning whose knowledge UK architectural education passes down. He talks about his 'Why Architecture' interview series, the unfiltered reality of architecture school, why there is no single route into the profession, and seeing architects as caretakers of society.

In POC in Architecture's 10th Be Inspired feature, architect, urban designer, writer and illustrator Oriana Fernandez reflects on sixteen years of practice across India and the UK. She talks about moving contractor-side, why technical and commercial qualifications stay less visible among minority architects, the gap between what the profession says and what it does, and her long road to UK registration through two failed exams and a redundancy.

In this Be Inspired interview, Architect, Mentor and Entrepreneur, Charlotte Shields shares how her journey from growing up in Birmingham to launching CS Architecture + Design has shaped her approach to practice and leadership. Through her work, writing, and mentorship, Charlotte challenges traditional definitions of success and advocates for careers built on wellbeing, visibility, and long-term impact.

In our latest interview, Architect, Educator, Writer and Co-founder of POoR Collective, Shawn Adams shared how he followed an early spark of curiosity into a career grounded in community, equity, and storytelling. From leading outreach at HTA Design to teaching at the Architectural Association, Shawn’s work champions access, agency, and youth-led design.

For our next feature, we’re joined by architect, filmmaker, and educator Nilesh, whose career spans far beyond traditional practice. His journey weaves through architecture, landscape design, and award-winning film, shaped by resilience, curiosity and an unwavering dedication to storytelling. In this conversation, he reflects on navigating exclusion in the profession, finding new creative pathways, and redefining what it means to build a career in the built environment.

In light of Black History Month, POC in Architecture CIC and Pascall+Watson came together for a ‘Day in the Life’ experience for two Black Architecture students in our network

POC in Architecture CIC proudly concluded our flagship Mentoring Programme with a celebratory exhibition showcasing the exceptional work of our 2025 mentee cohort.

In our latest interview, Architect and Illustrator Tanatswa Borerwe shares how hand-drawing, storytelling, and lived experience shape her work. From Zimbabwe to North London, from sketchbooks to estate regeneration, Tanatswa’s journey reminds us that visual storytelling is beautiful and powerful. It invites conversation, builds trust, and makes design more human.

It’s feature number five and we are joined by Architectural Designer, Educator and Co-Founder, Zafir Ameen. In this feature we discuss...

It’s feature number four and we are joined by multidisciplinary designer and poet, Sam Elbahja. In this feature we discuss the unique blend of architecture and poetry that Sam explores, her journey at Cambridge University, her exciting projects she is working on and more!

It’s feature number three and we are joined by Architect, business owner and jewellery designer, Malaika Carr Johnson. In this feature we...

Our second feature for ‘Be Inspired’ is a multidisciplinary designer Tola Oluolape. Tola is most known for her interior design studio,...

POC in Architecture is rolling out a new ‘Be Inspired’ blog series which will happen every quarter, to keep our community inspired and in...

As we approach the end of summer, we are reflecting on this years exhibitions we held for our community of designers and artists....

Last year saw POC in Architectures first Model Making Workshop, which was a collaborative 2 week initiative with architectural practice...

Each year POC in Architecture has the goal to collaborate with other organisations who have a community they are supporting. This year...

Our mentoring program is back for another year, with one to one sessions, CV guidance and portfolio advice, along with learning from an...