The Architecture of Place: In Conversation with Elsie Owusu

Perhaps now more than ever before, we are all aware of the built environment that surrounds us, and of the impacts it has on the health of individuals, communities, and the planet. The Architecture of Place series, first launched in fall 2020, brings together the established and emerging voices working to create a better built future.

From October through December 2022, the ICAA, INTBAU, and The Prince's Foundation will co-host The Architecture of Place: In Conversation with..., a series of interviews featuring three architects from different backgrounds and points of view: Mohamad Hamouié, Whitley Esteban, and Elsie Owusu. Over the three-part series, each speaker will have the chance to play the role of both interviewer and interviewee. In each installment, one of the three architects will be interviewed by one of the others about the influences, experiences, and projects that have led to their design perspective on the architecture of place. At the end of each session, students from partnering university departments will pose additional questions to the speakers, followed by an open Q&A with attendees.

The programs are free and open for public registration, and recorded versions of the programs will be made available to all.

In this iteration of the series, Whitley Esteban will interview Elsie Owusu about her work, background, and design perspective.

As an Architect and Specialist Conservation Architect, interior and urban designer, Elsie Owusu has a wide expertise in transport and infrastructure, as well as the issues facing emerging economies. Passionate about contemporary architecture and city planning, she is particularly fascinated by their relationship to the arts in general, and the specific work of individual artists.

Eminent artist Sir Peter Blake, amongst others, has collaborated with her on a number of projects from jewelry to housing. While a partner at Feilden+Mawson LLP, Elsie 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. She has completed designs for public transport systems in Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana.

Previously a board member of Arts Council England and the National Trust of England, Elsie is currently serving on the boards of the Architectural Association, the UK Supreme Court Arts Trust and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Council. She is also Vice-Chair of the London School of Architecture. Elsie is also director of ArchQuestra, which provides the best of British architecture, art and engineering to support emerging economies. A long time director of JustGhana, a UK company dedicated to investment in the people and culture of Ghana, Elsie is currently designing a range of Ghanaian ethical gold jewelry with prominent UK artists.