Dear Readers of A.D.O.A.I.D,

It’s been approx two years since we were invited to join Black Females in Architecture (BFA) for a special evening dedicated to celebrating and inspiring black architects, designers, and real estate professionals across the built environment industry.

Black Females in Architecture (BFA) is a social enterprise and membership network founded to connect and support black women within the architecture, design and construction industry. Through networking, advocacy, education and projects they serve their members, the industry and wider society, ensuring the contribution of black women and non-binary people to the built environment is recognised and valued.

This event was hosted by Muyiwa Oki, Architect at Mace in partnership with Black Females in Architecture and sponsored by Landsec.

We gained a lot of insight from inspirational speakers including Elsie Owusu OBE - Founder of Elsie Owisu Architects, Shawn Adams - Co-Founder at POoR Collective & Tara Gbolade - Co-Founding Director of Gbolade Design Studio. It was great hearing their stories and individual journeys into the design world. They also touched on what diversity looks like in todays society, which was a candid thought provoking conversation.

We were fed well with a mouth watering menu by black-owned caterers ‘The Future Plate’ who served up afro-caribbean inspired canapes and bowl food. Whilst we ate, we mingled with other professionals, told our stories and enjoyed an evening of alfresco drinks underneath the setting of the sun. Exchanged socials and connected with amazing individuals.

Most importantly it was a great opportunity to network with colleagues from Black Females in Architecture, Paradigm, Black Professionals in Construction, Black Women in Real Estate and more.

Overall, it was a very pleasant evening full of new insights and inspiration. Click on the photo or the link to view our highlights reel.

…Sabrina Yvonne