BLACC@HTA - Shine a Light
After the launch of BLACC@HTA, we wanted to 'shine a light' on some of the members of BLACC. We asked the members what their favourite project is, interesting facts and their talents. Meet the members below...
Meet Tanatswa
Tanatswa Borerwe is an Architectural Assistant Part 2 & has been at HTA for 3 years…
Favourite project…
She’s worked on ‘The Terrace of the Future’ - a project that proposes an affordable multi-generational living space. She explored how image making tools can communicate multiple design interventions in one image. This project is important to Tanatswa as she was able to explore the different ways people from various backgrounds can and are living today.
Talents…
Tanatswa is a self-taught artist who uses her medium to illustrate bright yet poised portraits of black women in order to celebrate women who strive to create an environment for themselves, giving them a glimpse of life in such a space. The series explores the attention to aspects of layering. Tanatswa uses pencil colours as a way to emphasise the various layers of black skin.
Interesting fact…
Tanatswa used to be in a hip hop dance group at school
Meet Stephanie Warner...
Stephanie Warner is an Associate & our HR Manager at HTA, she has been an employee for 6 years.
Favourite project…
The birth of the Black African Caribbean Collective (BLACC @ HTA)
Interests…
At the moment, Steph is trying to learn more about Gender Equality and Black British History.
Passions…
She cares passionately about the human race, peace and standing up for what is right.
Steph has recently sailed through her assessment to achieve Chartered Member status of the CIPD.
Meet Yeni Ope-Ewe
Yeni Ope-Ewe has recently joined us as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Interests…
She’s really passionate about development and tackling poverty.
Favourite project…
Her dissertation project explored the benefit undergoing a generative design process, through parametric modelling. The aim was to explore the idea of “modelling for” versus “modelling of”. She designed and facilitated a workshop in which participants used modular components and changing parameters, as a tool towards achieving a specific design aim.
Following this methodology lead to optimised spatial, planning, form and structural configuration. She has since been able to apply this approach to inform the design of later projects.
Meet Shontelle Williams
Shontelle Williams is a Senior Planner & has been at HTA for almost 4 years
Favourite project…
Barnet small sites and in particular the Summers Lane project. Working on these small sites, can be a huge challenge & they have made her really appreciate the importance of listening to local people in order to try & find an equitable and reasonable solution through engagement in the design. Working with a collaborative team helped a lot & so getting a statement of support from the local community & commendation from local members on our work with the local community was even more special.
Interesting facts…
Shontelle plays mas at Carnival each year, which essentially means that she dresses up in a elegantly designed costume and dances through the streets. Although she loves attending Notting Hill Carnival, she has a mini ambition to play mas in the Caribbean someday. The history of carnival in the Caribbean, the customs and food is really fascinating.
Interesting fact…
She has travelled a lot, often on her own and she has had some amazing experiences. Her highlights are Jamaica, Russia (especially St Petersburg, the Trans-Siberian train ride, Ulan Ude), Mongolia, Australia (the middle), Jordan (probably her favourite), India, China, Oman (her quiet place), Uganda and Ghana. Apparently its unusual for black people/ black women to travel much (apparently!) especially to some of the places that she has been to (which she agrees), but that’s why it’s important to be seen, to have your own experiences, share them and change the narrative.
