Nyasha Harper-Michon - BNa Architectendag - Just Justa fotografie
BNA Architectendag. Image credit: Just Justa fotografie

About

Ever feel like we should be doing more in the building industry to address today’s global challenges? I sure do. We could be doing so much more to mitigate the climate crisis, create resilient cities and communities as well as design safe and inclusive spaces and places.

In a nutshell, I’m an Archtivist – a term I’ve coined for architecture and design professionals driving economic, environmental and social reform to foster positive changes in society and within the profession. 

I’m an Archtivist – a term I’ve coined for architecture and design professionals driving economic, environmental and social reform to foster positive changes in society and within the profession.

I’m a creative and strategic thinker who thrives at the intersection of design, business and technology. I leverage these three pillars to drive and inspire positive change to support the health and well-being of people, place and planet. That’s what makes my heart sing.

I currently work as a Business Developer at UNStudio, an international architectural design studio. I’m also a guest lecturer, practice assessor and teacher at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture and Technical University of Delft.

I’ve written columns for Dutch architecture magazines deArchitect and AZine, and my essay “The City of Archtivists” has been published in 2021 in the book 18 Perspectives on Designing Cities for Allas part of the Pakhuis de Zwijger’s programme Designing Cities for All (DCFA).

Driving and inspiring positive change to support the health and well-being of people, place and planet is what makes my heart sing. 

I’m a board member of WomenMakeTheCity, a foundation working to foster inclusive, equitable and sustainable cities for all. I am also a member of the jury for the Rotterdam Architecture Prize (Rotterdamse ArchitectuurPrijs) 2021.

I’m involved in various projects from the future of design and technology to fostering diversity and inclusion within the architecture field. Simply because I love to explore different approaches and tools to help shape a future where the building industry positively impacts our environment, economy and society.

Challenging the status quo plays a central role in my thought process. Through design, experimentation and knowledge sharing, I aspire to facilitate the transition to an inclusive, sustainable and resilient built environment within a circular economy.

Enough about me, I’d love to hear from you. We are all catalysts for change and if you’re interested in collaborating on a project or just having a chat, don’t hesitate to drop me a line.