Dedicated to empowering agency in the built environment and driving positive change in the profession
Architect and founder, CARD Projects (Collaboration, Agency, Research, Design). Part 1:2014, Part 2: 2017
Katie Fisher wowed judges with both her dedication to making positive change in the profession and her commitment to ensuring more people have a voice in their local built environment.
‘She has so many roles,’ said judge Martyn Craddock, citing her position on the RIBA Council, her ambassador role at the Architects’ Benevolent Society, and her co-chairing of the Architecture Foundation Young Trustees.
The latter included contributions to initiatives such as Peer Review (rethinking the architectural crit system), Thesaurus for Change (challenging the barriers of industry jargon) and Life Outside of Architecture (amplifying career options outside of the traditional route). She also initiated research on new design guidance on inclusive play spaces, platforming the voices of disabled young people and their caregivers.
‘I am always looking to make positive change in the industry, she says.
Fisher recently set up CARD Projects (Collaboration, Agency, Research, Design), a ‘socially engaged’ practice that focuses on empowering agency in the built environment using art, architecture, engagement and education.
She previously worked at Stanton Williams and then Grounded Practice, where she created a policy for mental health as well as a social value and engagement that scored 100 per cent within a GLA Framework application.
‘Katie has a brilliant energy for ensuring people are at the heart of the built environment,’ said referee Chloe Phelps, chief executive of Grounded Practice.
What existing problem would you most like to tackle?
Following on from the Architecture Foundation research on inclusive play spaces, I am keen to improve access within public spaces – in particular public play spaces. The UN’s Convention Rights of a Child states that every child has a right to play, and the fact that only one in ten play spaces is accessible to disabled children is staggering. If we can improve public play spaces for everyone we can improve the quality of life for so many people.
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