Akeefah Tasnia on EDI at AEW, supporting inclusivity at Manchester School of Architecture & best practice buildings.

Fostering EDI underpins all that Akeefah Tasnia does.

From being an active member of the EDI Society at Manchester School of Architecture, to her time as a Part 1 architectural assistant at AEW.

With a passion shaped by her own experience, Akeefah is no stranger to having to "navigate multiple identities". And this was a point raised at our recent seminar, which has led to the term EDI now enveloping 'Belonging' too.

Akeefah says, "At times, being different has felt like a hindrance", but through her studies and time in practice, she believes architecture has a power - "to remove barriers and celebrate differences."

Ahead of us welcoming Akeefah to our upcoming roundtable, in this interview we chat about her personal experience, and how this is informing the way she approaches the design of buildings with EDI in mind.

Firstly, can you tell us about your role at AEW?

"During my time as a Part 1 architectural assistant at AEW, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from small-scale retrofit fast food spaces to a large office refurbishment. It was a really valuable experience that helped me expand my skill set and gain a deeper understanding of the profession. I made a point of absorbing as much knowledge as I could, which has really shaped how I’m thinking about my future progression towards Part 3.

"Through CPDs and collaborating with different teams at AEW, I developed a strong understanding of an architect’s wider responsibilities—particularly in terms of nurturing society and protecting the environment. My Part 1 experience gave me a realistic insight into the practicalities of architectural practice and how those responsibilities play out in the real world."

You're particularly passionate about EDI - what does it mean to you? And what sparked your initial passion?

"My passion for EDI comes from my own experiences. As an Asian, hijabi Muslim woman and the child of parents who migrated from another country, I often navigate multiple identities. The intersectionality can make it difficult to “fit in,” because you’re never quite sure which barrier is in the way.

"At times, being different has felt like a hindrance, especially in the construction industry where challenges extend beyond just accessibility or representation. But as I’ve learned more about inclusive environments and reflected on how we can create them, I realised how architecture has the power to remove barriers and celebrate differences.

"Over time, I’ve come to understand just how transformative it is when people are included, and how much potential exists when systems are made more equitable. I enjoy actively advocating for underrepresented voices, challenging unconscious bias, or contributing to building inclusive teams, EDI is something I like to practice."

You were a very active member of the EDI Society during your studies at the Manchester School of Architecture - can you tell us more about that?

"Our aim was to create an inclusive and supportive environment within the school, ensuring that students from all backgrounds felt represented, respected, and heard.

"I was involved in organising workshops, which focused on topics like accessibility in design, and representation in and beyond architecture. One project I really enjoyed was the beginnings of our cookbook, where it was just a way of sharing cultures, and expressing diversity with a bunch of architecture students and tutors. It was a start in bringing together students and staff, allowing them to have open conversations about diversity in our lives and how we can begin to address them architecturally."

How have you taken this experience into practice?

"I took this into practice at AEW, during my time as a Part 1 architectural assistant, where I embedded myself into both EDI and Social Value groups. Both committees play vital roles in shaping a workplace culture that is inclusive, socially responsible, and aligned with broader societal values.

"They contribute to a positive work environment, and diversifying the knowledge within practice. Volunteering within these committees has developed my understanding of the varied types of clients and their priorities within design. They encouraged me to share my ideas and, along with my previous EDI knowledge, I was luckily able to host workshops focused on sharing cultures and inclusive strategies.

"It was also important that I was prompting these conversations within ‘office chats’ in casual conversations and design team discussions. I was able to introduce ideas and reflect on possible accessible design strategies."

Is EDI something all clients want to factor into their projects?

"In all honesty, I don’t think EDI is always a primary consideration when clients approach their design. In many cases, it only becomes a focus when the target users specifically express a need for equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces in the project. While I haven't had much direct client interaction yet—those are the conversations I’m looking forward to in the future—I believe it's essential to start asking key questions early on. For example, 'Who do you want in this building?' or 'How might different people feel in these spaces?'

"As architects, it's our responsibility to prompt these questions within design team meetings."

"Simple yet crucial inquiries like these encourage clients to consider the needs of diverse users and understand that buildings should go beyond just meeting regulatory standards like Part M or the Equality Act."

Can you give us some examples of buildings/schemes where EDI has been really well considered?

"I really appreciate the inclusive design approach of the Maggie’s Centres in Yorkshire and Oldham because they create welcoming, supportive environments that prioritise the actor. These spaces offer warm, domestic atmospheres that are accessible and comforting for people from all backgrounds. I especially like how the design considers all individuals by including easy navigation, and barrier-free access for people with mobility challenges.

"The architecture fosters a sense of belonging and community, making everyone feel safe, and included. To me, these centres are powerful examples of how thoughtful, human-centered design can promote equity and inclusivity.

"I also admire the Maya Somaiya Library at Sharda School, by Sameep Padora & Associates because it embodies the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion through its design and purpose. Located in a rural area, the library provides an accessible, welcoming space for children who might otherwise have limited educational resources. Its open, terraced design encourages exploration and interaction, moving away from restrictive learning environments, and encouraging curiosity and creating a sense of belonging for all students. The use of local materials and craftsmanship not only supports environmental sustainability but also empowers the local community by valuing their skills and ideas.

"Futhermore, I value Vienna’s 15-minute city approach because it prioritises equity, diversity, and inclusion in urban design. By ensuring that services like healthcare, education, public spaces, and transportation are all accessible within a short walk or bike ride, the city removes barriers that often affect disadvantaged groups. The scheme supports social equity by making daily life easier for people who may not have access to these essentials. It also fosters diversity by creating mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhoods that encourage social interaction and community building."

How does EDI inform your material choices?

"EDI has encouraged me to think about how different materials, or even just one material, can provoke varied uses and responses.The materials that encourage flexibility and sustainability, I find, are key drivers in creating inclusive material choices. The more a material can be adapted or has been adapted to site relates to its success within the structure and the impositions it may have on the actor (user).

"For example, in my first year of my master’s, I explored the idea of reusing and recycling steel in unconventional ways—using it as a threshold, a wayfinding element, a storage tool, and even as a response to climate.

"There are so many diverse ways materials can be repurposed, allowing them to respond to different users in unique ways."

Does colour play into this?

"Certainly, colour is a powerful form of expression. It can convey an idea, evoke a feeling, or spark thought, making it a simple yet intricate way to add diversity to a design. I believe colour is a great example of how something that seems like a basic, common parameter can be transformed into something unique and exceptional when approached in an innovative way."

Is there a secret formula for making spaces accessible to all?

"I don’t think there’s ever a space that’s fully accessible for everyone, because the concept of intersectionality means that sometimes we can’t address every single need within a single proposal. However, acknowledging these differences is where we can start and push the boundaries of design.

"That said, when striving toward accessible design, I believe the key foundations are: user-centred design that values diverse needs, environmental stewardship, and focusing on empowering communities."

And are there specific factors that, if missed, mean a space or building is not set-up for EDI?

"If a building can’t be changed or adapted, I believe that goes against the principles of EDI. There should always be room to accommodate different needs. These changes don’t have to be drastic—sometimes, simple modifications are enough. But if a building doesn't allow for even the slightest adjustment, I personally think it wasn’t designed with EDI in mind."

What are you working on currently?

"Currently, I’m pursuing my masters at the Manchester School of Architecture, so I’m no longer working as a Part 1. However, the experience I gained during my time at AEW was incredibly valuable and will play a pivotal role in my career development."

And what's next?

"I look forward to finishing my masters and qualifying as an architect, as I want to continue developing my understanding of the ever-evolving design world and how we can implement accessible design, in my studies and beyond. However, I’m also really interested in exploring Project Management. I would like to focus on how we can incorporate intersectionality and EDI approaches throughout all stages of a project, ensuring that EDI remains a design consideration from stages 0-7."