Mark Warren, Urban Design Officer, London Borough of Merton

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?
To make positive change to my neighbourhood that could be informed as much by my architectural and urban design training and experience as it is by the things I see, hear and experience personally in my community.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture and the creative industries?
I owe a lot to my secondary school technology teacher, Neil Pinder. His enthusiasm and energy for architecture is infectious and without him I would not have even considered a career in architecture. I had set my sights on furniture design. Great teachers make a difference and it’s important for us to continue to promote and to empower young people to make a difference in their environment.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?
Looking at what is said rather than how it is said, listening to people from all communities and not just people you are typically comfortable with and having confidence in your ideas – as people often don’t come from minority groups – especially when they are not well represented. Overcoming is helped by outreach, finding senior mentors and sponsors and offering that helping hand to junior colleagues as you rise the ranks yourself.