Built By Us

Built By Us CIC

The construction industry shapes everything around us. Our homes, our streets, our schools, our cities. Yet the people making those decisions still do not reflect the communities they are building for. That gap has a cost. And closing it starts with honest conversation. Built By Us is a podcast for change makers, built environment professionals, and anyone who believes the industry needs to do better. Every fortnight, host Danna Walker, founder of Built By Us, sits down with practitioners, policy makers, urban designers, architects, planners, and the voices that rarely get a platform, to talk about equity, inclusion, and what it truly takes to build environments that work for everyone. This is not theory. This is the real work, told by the people doing it. New episodes every fortnight, every Monday at 7am UK time. Find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Connect with Built By Us at builtbyus.org.uk and on Instagram at @builtbyusUK.

Episodes

  1. Aug 26

    Broadening the practice: Anthropological insights in architectural work | With Zafir Ameen

    In this episode, Zafir Ameen walks us through his path into architecture and the founding of Defrente Studio, a practice built on humanitarian design and advocacy. We look at where architectural education falls short, what sets Defrente's team apart, and the powerful work they've done on a project in Lima, Peru. Zafir also reflects on how his design thinking has shifted over the years, and why community engagement, inclusive urban spaces, and education are non-negotiable in architecture that truly serves people. Takeaways Humanitarian design and advocacy are at the core of Defrente Studio's workThe studio's unique team composition and diverse skill sets contribute to a broader approach to architecture and design Inclusive urban design involves understanding the unique needs and perspectives of different demographic groups.Community engagement is crucial in shaping public spaces and ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of the community. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Architecture and Advocacy03:05 The Founding of Defrente Studio04:00 Challenges of Architectural Education07:27 Unique Team Composition and Skill Sets14:24 Impactful Project in Lima, Peru12:49 Shift in Design Approach and Community Engagement21:30 The Importance of Education and Community Engagement25:12 Inclusive Urban Design27:32 Community Engagement and Social Cohesion29:32 Architecture and Wellness31:09 Community Involvement in Urban Development44:11 Leadership and Collaboration Connect with Zafir Ameen https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafir-ameen/ Find out more about Defrente Instagram: @defrente.studio LinkedIn: Defrente Studio Website: https://www.defrente.studio/ Follow Built By Us Website: https://www.builtbyus.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtbyusuk/

  2. Aug 10

    People. Data. Design | With Stephanie Edwards of Urban Symbiotics

    What if the most powerful tool in an architect's kit isn't a drawing or a design — but listening? What if truly inclusive cities start not with buildings, but with the people who live in them? In this episode of the Built By Us Podcast, host Danna Walker sits down with Stephanie Edwards, architect, urban designer, and co-founder of Urban Symbiotics, a London-based practice, that is fundamentally rethinking how communities are engaged in the design and regeneration of the places they call home. Together, they explore what it really means to put people at the centre of the built environment — from challenging tokenistic consultation to developing innovative, on-the-ground engagement methods that go to where communities already are. Stephanie shares how a pivotal moment on a large-scale masterplanning project led her to start Urban Symbiotics with co-founder James Stewart, and how combining architecture with product design and communications has created a genuinely different approach to place-making and regeneration. Whether you're an architect, urban designer, planner, community practitioner, student, or someone who simply cares about who our cities are really built for, this episode is full of honest, thoughtful, and inspiring insights. In This Episode The story behind Urban Symbiotics and what inspired its foundingWhy community engagement is often an exercise rather than a genuine endeavourInnovative methods for reaching underserved and underrepresented communitiesThe power of combining architecture with product design and communicationsRegeneration vs gentrification — navigating trust, displacement, and benefitWhy "nothing about us without us" is central to Urban Symbiotics' approachWhat communities have taught Stephanie about design and processDesigning flexible, inclusive spaces with low thresholds for participationThe Stephen Lawrence Trust and its lasting impact on diversity in architectureLessons from founding a purpose-driven practice — including wild optimism About the Guest Stephanie Edwards is an architect, urban designer, and co-founder of Urban Symbiotics. She studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, supported by a full scholarship from the Stephen Lawrence Trust. Her career has taken her across the globe, from the Netherlands and the Middle East to South America and West Africa, before settling in London. Urban Symbiotics works at the intersection of people, data, and design, helping communities, developers, and local authorities to co-create places that genuinely reflect the needs, aspirations, and lived experiences of the people who use them. Connect with Urban Symbiotics Website: https://www.urbansymbiotics.com/ Connect with Stephanie Edwards LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-edwards-aa-dip-arb-riba-9b603a28/ Follow Built By Us Website: https://www.builtbyus.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtbyusuk/

  3. Season 1 Trailer

    Built By Us the podcast | Trailer

    The construction industry shapes everything around us. Our homes, our streets, our schools, our cities. Yet the people making those decisions still do not reflect the communities they are building for. That gap has a cost. And closing it starts with honest conversations. Built By Us is a podcast for change makers, built environment professionals, and anyone who believes the industry needs to do better. Every fortnight, host Danna Walker, founder of Built By Us, sits down with practitioners, policy makers, urban designers, architects, planners, and the voices that rarely get a platform, to talk about equity, inclusion, and what it truly takes to build environments that work for everyone. This is not theory. This is the real work, told by the people doing it. New episodes every fortnight, every Monday at 7am UK time. Find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Connect with Built By Us at builtbyus.org.uk and on Instagram at @builtbyusUK.

  4. Jul 27

    House of Bricoleurs - Architects On a Mission

    What if architecture could do more than create buildings? What if it could help tackle climate change, strengthen communities, and create more inclusive places for everyone? In this episode of the Built By Us Podcast, host Danna Walker sits down with Albane Duvillier and Elliot Rogosin, co-founders of House of Bricoleurs, a UK and France-based architecture practice rethinking how we design, build, and collaborate. Together, they explore how architecture can become a force for positive social and environmental change. From regenerative design and adaptive reuse to community-led projects and inclusive public spaces, Albane and Elliot share how their work challenges traditional approaches to architecture while putting people, place, and purpose at the centre of every project. The conversation explores the realities of founding a purpose-driven practice, the importance of working with existing buildings and materials, and why collaboration, teaching, and knowledge-sharing are essential for creating meaningful change in the built environment. Whether you're an architect, designer, construction professional, student, founder, or simply passionate about creating a better future, this episode offers valuable insights into how design can help shape more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities. In This Episode• The story behind House of Bricoleurs • Why architecture must respond to climate and social challenges • Working with existing buildings instead of always building new • Regenerative design and sustainable construction • Community-led architecture and collaborative design • Teaching, learning, and sharing knowledge through practice • The future of inclusive cities and public spaces • Creating meaningful social and environmental impact • Lessons learned from building a purpose-driven business About the GuestsAlbane Duvillier and Elliot Rogosin are the founders of House of Bricoleurs, an architecture and design practice operating across the UK and France. Their work focuses on architecture, landscapes, materials, heritage, sustainability, and education. Through research, teaching, design, and hands-on collaboration, they seek to create projects that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and deeply connected to the people who use them. Connect with House of BricoleursWebsite: https://houseofbricoleurs.xyz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofbricoleurs/ Follow Built By UsWebsite: https://www.builtbyus.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtbyusuk/

Trailer

About

The construction industry shapes everything around us. Our homes, our streets, our schools, our cities. Yet the people making those decisions still do not reflect the communities they are building for. That gap has a cost. And closing it starts with honest conversation. Built By Us is a podcast for change makers, built environment professionals, and anyone who believes the industry needs to do better. Every fortnight, host Danna Walker, founder of Built By Us, sits down with practitioners, policy makers, urban designers, architects, planners, and the voices that rarely get a platform, to talk about equity, inclusion, and what it truly takes to build environments that work for everyone. This is not theory. This is the real work, told by the people doing it. New episodes every fortnight, every Monday at 7am UK time. Find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Connect with Built By Us at builtbyus.org.uk and on Instagram at @builtbyusUK.

Information

  • Creator
    Built By Us CIC
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Built By Us CIC