Celebrating 4 years

In 2013 the seeds of AzuKo were planted. We discussed how design could help those in need. We asked ourselves how we could contribute. In 2014 AzuKo was born. Our mission is to design with disadvantaged communites, and empower them to create the world they dream of. 

Four years on we’re operating in the UK, Bangladesh and China, working towards this goal. Our journey so far:

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To celebrate our birthday we brought together people who champion our cause. Our AzuKo family. During the evening we shared highlights over the last four years, gave thanks and designed our future, together.

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The big give

We asked you to join us and pledge your time, skills, money, resources. Here's two wonderful commitments:

Hannah Davey

"I pledge to complete the Nuclear Race with a team championing AzuKo. Helping others who wouldn't have thought it possible to do the course themselves. I pledge to fundraise for AzuKo and get 50% of my supporters to sign up to the AzuKo newsletter."

Margherita Buzzi

"I'll make something good to eat, and sell it in the office - raising funds for AzuKo's projects."

"I'll post the work I've done with AzuKo on my social media and website to spread the word."

I'd like to pledge

I'd like to pledge...

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Your SUPER-strengths

We think our supporters are truly amazing. Let’s fully embrace our strengths, skills and different approaches. Together we can create positive social change.

That's why we created personalised pins for everyone on the night. These archetypes are just a perspective. Take what’s meaningful to you, celebrate what’s true.

Does your type allow you to reimagine what you can give to the world?

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*Inspired by Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

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Our 2017 SUPERheroes

Congratulations to these amazing individuals for their support in 2017. We salute you.

• Lucie Murray (NLA) - UK SUPERHERO

• Wang Qianqian (SIDA) - INTERNATIONAL SUPERHERO

• Si-Joe Portal (Arup) - BRINGER OF JOY

• Ed Sayce (MTT) - BIGGEST FUNDRAISER

• Elly Earl (Arup ID) - OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGNER

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Donating to create change

The raffle raised over £300, which will go to our work with JAAGO Foundation to design and build a pilot playspace for an 'online' school in rural Bangladesh.

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“‘magical’ ‘friendly’ ‘inspirational’ ‘unity’ ‘passionate’ ‘welcoming’ ‘warm’”

— one word to describe the night

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Solving wicked problems

One of our favourite parts of the evening was the 'wicked problems' brainstorm - "How might we..." You imagined fantastic possibilities for AzuKo.

We'd like to explore how to achieve them, so we're hosting a meetup to continue the brainstorm. You're all invited.

• Wednesday, 18 April

• 6.30pm - 8.30pm

• Central London

Yes, I'll join the meetup

I'd like to join the 'wicked problems' meetup

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We'd like to thank everyone who helped us put on our birthday event. A few key players:

DONORS: Upstairs @ The Department Store / Squire & Partners / Ryder / New London Architecture / Native North / Rio Cinema / Neal's Yard Remedies / Beth Ashbridge / Phill Wilson-Perkin. VOLUNTEERS: Justin Brown / Margherita Buzzi / Hannah Davey / Adam Fryett / Joao Leal / Ronnie McGibbon / Claire Moody

Here's to next year's celebration!

Who cares?

On International Women's Day, 8 March, our Founder Jo Ashbridge and Trustee Katie Crepeau were invited to speak about their journeys into social impact design.

The event, as part of the annual lecture series 'Who Cares?' by Unit 6 at the Cass, explores humanitarian architecture. The series examines and questions what it is to work in these environments, the motives for doing so and the reality of not for profit practice. 

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

“Gender equality in architecture is not just a headline, it is a boardroom issue that requires urgent attention and action plans. It is within the profession and our individual powers to make a change. ”

— Jennifer Sale / Design Manager, Plan A Consultants

The architecture and construction industry is notoriously male dominated. Statistics from the annual AR 'Women in Architecture' survey are sobering:

• More than half of women have experienced discrimination, indirect or direct, during the past year, including sexism, bullying and/or sexual harassment

• There is a gender pay gap with men earning more at all stages of their architectural career

• Many believe having dependents can hamper if not halt career progression due to the uncompromising work schedule and culture

• 60% believe the industry has not fully accepted the authority of the female architect

• There is a huge disparity of gender diversity in senior management positions.

We need more female role models.

To #PressforProgress, Jo and Katie shared their work and experiences in the industry. Two female speakers + an all female panel. They hope to inspire the next generation of women in architecture to break through that glass ceiling as well as present their non-traditional leadership roles.

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“Being a woman in a very male dominant industry poses lots of challenges. Jo Ashbridge and Katie Crepeau have proven it’s not impossible and have inspired me to continue upon my journey to becoming an Architect. The humanitarian work presented by Jo has motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore architecture beyond its verticality. Similarly, Katie’s consultancy services to help those seeking to take the first step towards creating their own design space is a vital source to those not familiar to the business aspect of the design world.

The evening was filled with incredibly eye opening and inspiring conversations. Thank you to both AzuKo and Design Affects for a fantastic evening!”

— Jessica / attendee

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Get in touch.

3 new opportunities to join our board of trustees

Passionate about social impact, and international development? Join us and help empower communities through design.

We're expanding our board, with 3 new opportunities - fundraising trustee, international development trustee and marketing trustee. 

Details:

• 2 year term. Review after 1 year.

• Estimated 1-2 days per month, including attending quarterly board meetings. You may also be a sub-committee member and attend specific meetings.

• Trustees are volunteers. The role is not accompanied by any payment, however reasonable expenses may be claimed e.g. local travel.

• Location: London and remotely

• Start date: asap

• Rolling application: CV and supporting statement

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Click on the role description above for more information.

In addition to the specific responsibilities stated, board members assume all the usual duties of a trustee.

UPDATE: WE HAVE NOW FILLED OUR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRUSTEE & MARKETING TRUSTEE ROLES. WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED FUNDRAISER TO JOIN OUR BOARD.