Strong foundations

Students interested in a career in planning and designing buildings spent a week being architects, thanks to Karakusevic Carson Architects and Brent Council with drawing classes and CV and interview workshops with respected architects that have worked on the designs for various sites in Wembley Housing Zone and the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration programme.

Bupesh Hirani, an 18-year-old student from Alperton Community School, said: “I wanted to take part to see if architecture is really the career for me. The placement gave me an amazing insight into what a day to day job would be like. I definitely want to go into the field now.”

Pupils from Brent schools have been learning from the professionals

Ruzna Noukri, from Kilburn, said: “Architects play a significant role in shaping our community, they bring people together through what they create. I’ve had a great insight into the world of architecture and I’ve had a really great experience.”

As part of the agreement with the council, employees from the architects also volunteered time to give something back to the borough, most recently by supporting the Brent Parks team to plant 3,450 seedlings in the wildflower meadows at King Edward VII Park this spring.

Employees from the firm supported the Brent Parks team to plant seedlings in the wildflower meadows

Cllr McLennan, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “There are so many different ways to inspire young people and help them plan their future and this is a great initiative. I’d love to see more companies share their expertise and get more involved in the community.”

Karakusevic Carson Architects have recently partnered with social innovation and enterprise hub SEIDs to create a bursary for a Brent resident to develop a creative business idea that would benefit the community. Applications are welcome until 26th July. For more information and to apply, email hello@seids.org.uk.