RIBA+VitrA Building Empathy: Collecting Narratives for the Future | Royal Institute of British Architects
Arts
Design
How can architecturepresent the stories of the past and create new cultural destinations? Join us for the second talk in the 2025 RIBA+VitrA Talks series, Building Empathy: Collecting Narratives for the Future. In this panel discussion hear from leading voices in cultural and civic architecture, Carmody Groarke, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, O'Donnell & Tuomey and Wright & Wright, as they reflect on the role buildings can serve in holding the narratives of the communities they serve. Exploring case studies including Museum of the Home in Hackney, and Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and upcoming destinations like the V&A East and redevelopment of the Liverpool International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum, the panel will discuss how these projects are transforming our cultural landscape and preserving stories for generations to come. The 2025 RIBA + VitrA Talks Programme explores the power of design to create positive change in communities. This year’s theme, Building Empathy: Design for our time, highlights the role of architects in shaping environments that are accessible, meaningful, and responsive to the people who use them. The Panel:Kossy Nnachetta Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Kossy is a Partner and Architect in our London studio. During her time at FCBStudios, she has been instrumental on projects in multiple sectors; including Higher Education, Residential Mixed-use, Office and Cultural Projects. She has taken projects including Embassy Gardens and TUDublin Grangegorman from design to completion, expanding the practice’s approach to technical excellence in pre-fabrication and BIM. She led the development of the Thornton Building, for Bioinformatics at Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton; constructed in cross laminated timber and championing a strong sustainability agenda.
She is currently leading the transformation of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum, addressing complex narratives of heritage, representation, and Restorative Justice.
Kossy is passionate about bringing fresh voices to the design table and is committed to mentoring both inside and outside the practice. She is a RIBA Ambassador; working in schools to inspire young people to the joy and importance of the Built Environment. Ana Maria Ferreira Associate, Carmody Groarke Ana is an accomplished Architect who has been working with Carmody Groarke for over 13 years. Ana began her career working on the reimagining of cultural spaces and temporary exhibitions, including projects for The Barbican, Royal Academy of Arts and the Science Museum Group. Her work within the cultural sector has often focused on caring for collections and improving the visitor experience of a building, an approach that she has translated into much of her work in other sectors including private residential projects. She is currently leading the restoration and extension of a duplex apartment within a listed building in Covent Garden, she has worked closely alongside the client throughout the design process to create high-quality material interventions and sensitive fabric repairs. Ana plays an active role in professional development across the studio and works with early career architects to enhance their skills and technical expertise. Eimear Hanratty Associate Director , O’Donnell + Tuomey Eimear studied architecture at University College Dublin, the Oslo School of Architecture of Design and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. Eimear joined O’Donnell + Tuomey in 2016, was appointed Associate in 2017 and Associate Director in 2020. She set up O’Donnell + Tuomey’s London office and is currently working on projects in London such as a new outpost for the V&A Museum and recently completed the new 550 seat dance theatre with studios and public spaces for Sadler’s Wells at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Before joining O’Donnell + Tuomey she worked at Eric Parry Architects in London for 6 Years, gaining considerable experience working on large scale complex projects including a new 6,000m2 office building at St James’s Square in London (RIBA award London + National winner 2016), an extensive internal fit out for the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers (RIBA award London 2017), and leading façade design on a new 32,000m2 headquarters for Cambridge Assessment, the examination body for Cambridge University. She has a keen interest in conservation and has worked on the extension and refurbishment of a Grade II Listed Lutyens building in London as well as a Grade I listed Nash building on the Mall, next to Buckingham Palace. Eimear is currently a member of the Design South East Expert Panel, providing advice on major schemes throughout design development and the planning process to local planning authorities in London and the South East of the UK. Naila Yousuf Partner, Wright & Wright Naila is a Partner at Wright & Wright Architects, who has led the team on high-profile cultural and educations projects, including the physical transformation of Museum of the Home. A creative thinker around all aspects of cultural heritage and its relationship with people and place, she is a thoughtful driver of consultation with stakeholders and wider communities. Currently, Naila leads her team on a highly sustainable Passivhaus project for St Edmund Hall, one of Oxford’s oldest colleges. Constructed from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), the project plays a key role in the College’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon and bringing about social inclusion within the College. An advocate for architectural engagement in schools, Naila has served as an external examiner at the University of Nottingham, mentor at the Royal College of Art, and leads Wright & Wright’s collaboration with the London School of Architecture’s Partnership Network—an institution that facilitates part-time study. She is also a member of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and supporter of museums, regularly lecturing on the subject. RIBA + VitrA TalksA series of talks featuring emerging and established international architects delivered in partnership with VitrA Bathrooms, now in its seventh year. Lead Image: International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum Entrance Pavilion View - Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Visitor InformationIf you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and/or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please contact talks@riba.orgThere may be a bar at the event with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. Please note, RIBA operate a Challenge 25 policy.Terms and ConditionsCancellations must be made in writing to talks@riba.orgA photographer may cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events. 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