Profession: Architectural Assistant Part 1
City: London
Country: United Kingdom

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
My passion for architecture began at the age of 12, during a wedding at the beautiful Igreja de São Vicente in Abrantes, Portugal. I was captivated by the structure and the colours used in the building. While some people view architecture merely as a business, I see it as much more. For me, becoming an architect is about giving people their own homes—not just the places where they live, but also where they learn, work, and even pray. Each of these spaces holds a special place in our hearts, filled with memories and stories.
Whether it’s parks, beaches, churches, houses, bridges, or towers, these are the places where we create our memories. At the end of the day, we all have our favourite places, and I am dedicated to working hard to create spaces where people can build their memories.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
I am fortunate to be part of a world that includes remarkable architects like Diébédo Francis Kéré and Zaha Hadid, who have profoundly inspired my journey in architecture. Kéré’s story resonates with me deeply; born in a small village, he left his home to pursue a better future and become an architect. His dedication to uplifting his community is truly inspiring. By teaching locals how to construct buildings using readily available materials, such as clay, and securing funding for projects, he has transformed his community, providing them with a new school equipped with a natural cooling system. More importantly, he empowered individuals by teaching them new skills that opened up job opportunities, helping families support and educate their children.

Similarly, Zaha Hadid’s groundbreaking contributions to architecture inspire me. As the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, she revolutionized architectural design, blending natural forms with man-made structures. Her innovative aesthetic approach and commitment to pushing boundaries have shown me the power of creativity in architecture.

Together, these architects exemplify my aspiration to make a positive impact on the environment and communities through design. I believe that architecture can be a catalyst for change, helping to create spaces that foster connection and growth.

Beyond these influential figures, I find inspiration in the people and places around me. Every individual carries memories and stories tied to specific spaces, whether they be parks, beaches, churches, or bridges. My goal is to work diligently to create environments where people can build their own memories, ensuring that future generations have meaningful places to gather and thrive.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
Having moved to the UK at 14, I completed my university studies in London and have learned to navigate various obstacles and biases, particularly concerning my mobility disabilities and chronic migraines.

Embracing Diverse Perspectives: I prioritize collaboration and encourage open dialogue with colleagues to ensure that all voices are heard in the design process.

Continuous Education: I am committed to understanding the experiences of marginalized communities, which helps me challenge biases and broaden my perspective on social equity in architecture.

User-Centered Design: By engaging in surveys and community workshops, I gather insights directly from those who will use the spaces I create, ensuring my work remains inclusive.

Advocating for Accessibility: My passion for accessible design drives me to question conventional norms and create environments that accommodate everyone, especially individuals with disabilities.

Reflecting and Adapting: Regularly seeking feedback from peers enables me to identify and address biases in my work, promoting continuous improvement.

In summary, my journey has instilled in me a strong commitment to overcoming obstacles and bias through collaboration, education, advocacy, and reflection. I look forward to contributing to a more inclusive design landscape.


What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
As a recent graduate, I believe several key improvements are essential to promote effective change in the academic and working environment, particularly in architecture.

Comprehensive Student Support: We need robust support systems, including mentoring programs, enhanced mental health resources, and improved academic advising. A supportive environment empowers students to explore their creativity and pursue their passions.

Nurturing Teaching Models: The teaching approach should shift to emphasize moral support rather than strict evaluations. Constructive feedback should focus on growth, allowing students to develop their unique voices without fear of harsh criticism.

Technology Training: As technology is vital in architecture, more classes focused on industry-standard software are crucial. Hands-on training in design software, collaboration tools, and project management will equip students with essential skills.

Sustainability and Social Equity: Coursework should encourage critical thinking about addressing global challenges like climate change. Project-based learning with real-world applications will help students understand their societal impact.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promoting collaboration between architecture, urban planning, and social sciences can lead to innovative solutions. Educational institutions should facilitate joint projects and interdisciplinary courses.

In summary, by enhancing support systems, shifting teaching models, incorporating technology training, emphasizing sustainability, and fostering collaboration, we can create a more effective academic and working environment.