Elsie Owusu talks helping black architects build foundations in the industry

Architect Elsie Margaret Owusu OBE has spent more than three decades working in the industry, she tells Darell J. Philip she isn’t done yet

IN A CAREER spanning 33 years, Elsie Margaret Owusu OBE has been recognised as one of Britain’s leading black architects.

She was responsible for the masterplan for Green Park station in London, as well as being lead architect for arts and interiors on the UK Supreme Court’s refurbishment. Owusu has also completed designs for public transport systems in Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana.

But as well as the plaudits she has received for body of work, she has also won recognition for her efforts to nurture the next generation of African Caribbean architects.

HONOURED

Owusu is the founding Chair of the Society of Black Architects (SOBA), a role which led to her being honoured with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2003.

SUPPORT: Owusu with Baroness Lawrence

“SOBA is an organisation for architects of colour,” Owusu explains.

“There were seven founding members and I was the chair. We had three main objectives which were education, the practice of architecture and legacy in terms of the contribution that those of colour have made to architecture.”

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  1. | Valerie Moodie

    I thoroughly enjoy reading articles written by Darrell J. Philips. There is clarity, thought, story development and the desire to read to the end of the article due to its compelling composition. I am a subscriber to The Voice, especially as you have such good journalists.

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