Video Producer, London, United Kingdom

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?
I was inspired to go into video production while writing feature articles in uni. I was speaking with people from all different walks of life and seeing how they were shaped by, and also shaping, the built environment around them. I think filmmaking and storytelling is one of the most fun jobs out there. You get a chance to see the world through other peoples eyes and connect the dots between peoples’ individual lives and larger systems of power and influence (i.e. architecture, design and finance).

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?
I’ve been inspired by the people I’ve met while making films. Seeing people so passionate about making a difference in their own communities motivates me to tell stories that will empower others to take more control over their lives and build stronger and more connected communities.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?
In video production I’m always questioning how we portray peoples stories, whether we’re talking to the right people and giving a voice to the people whose daily lives will be affected by new architecture and infrastructure projects. Representation of diverse backgrounds is important on screen, but it’s also crucial behind the scenes. I try and encourage other video producers to consider the impact of their work and to seek out conversations with the people who don’t often get media opportunities but who often know the local community better than some of the project executives. Sometimes that means asking difficult questions or pushing behind the scenes to include different perspectives in the storytelling process.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?
I think we need to continue working towards building workforces made up of people from the communities that are being “worked on,” and empowering those people to share their perspectives in a way that’s taken seriously by the business. Companies can put more emphasis on the harder-to-measure impact of their work beyond the economic value and making community members more aware of the powers at play shaping their lives.