Profession: Student
City: Cambridge
Country: United Kingdom

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
I was boring in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to the UK at the age of 7 where I often witnessed stars and prominent figures – such as footballers, actors, and musicians – giving back to their communities by building schools, hospitals, and facilities that provide much-needed support. Seeing these acts of generosity inspired me to dream of contributing on a similar scale.

I’ve always wanted to give back through the creation of tangible, built environments that foster positive change. This aspiration sparked my desire to be part of the architecture and design field. Over time, I began to explore how I could step into this space to influence how these environments are designed, ensuring they maximise their impact on the communities they serve.

I believe architecture is a powerful tool to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, homelessness, and mental health issues like depression.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
My art teacher in secondary school played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. At the time, pursuing art or anything creative was often viewed as something that made me seem less masculine, which initially discouraged me from choosing it as a subject to develop further. However, my art teacher recognised my potential and skill. She encouraged me to fully embrace my creativity, and her support made a lasting impact on me.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
With my Nigerian roots and having experienced a less fortunate upbringing, I’ve developed a natural hunger and drive to work hard and persevere in everything I do. This, combined with my faith in God as a Christian, motivates me to give my all, no matter the challenges. If it means working three times harder than my peers to reach their level, I am committed to doing so.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
I believe creating more inclusive spaces of belonging for underrepresented groups is crucial. These spaces can be physical, digital, or even initiatives like Homegrown Plus. Such spaces are important because they provide a platform for people to share their challenges and acknowledge that the playing field is not always level. They foster an environment where underrepresented communities can support and inspire each other – iron sharpens iron.