We’re a community of designers, architects and researchers dedicated to building a fairer world. Everything we are and do is shaped by our values.

Jo is passionate about humanitarian architecture and sustainable development. Her work includes constructing one room shelters in Vietnam, authoring guidelines for disaster relief shelters, improving earth construction within low income communities across Bangladesh and evaluating community-led development in rural China.
In 2014, Jo set up AzuKo to grow the impact of co-design. She is a fellow of the RSA, alumna of the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and Echo++, previous Chair of Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN) and member of RIBA Education Development Group. Jo regularly speaks on architecture and design for international development.

Esther brings over 20 years of experience in charity leadership and operations, with a strong background in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Having worked with organisations such as Shelter, Cats Protection, and AbScent, and now as a charity consultant, she has led large-scale restructures, developed innovative strategies, and fostered inclusive environments for staff and volunteers alike.
Esther’s expertise spans financial management, community development, and driving systemic change. Passionate about empowering communities and creating meaningful impact, she is driven by AzuKo’s mission of improving living conditions and tackling poverty through participatory design.

Apu leads the community engagement of our Bangladesh projects. He is a shelter consultant, specialising in low-cost housing in rural areas and is passionate about helping communities build resilience in a changing climate. Apu has been involved in a number of high profile projects across the country, including the award winning Rishipara Mandir Paathshala bamboo school.
Apu project managed the Amirabad Clinic with Bangla Bari, steered the design and construction of Dinajpur’s first remote learning primary school with JAAGO Foundation and acted as the bamboo adviser for PARAA’s Bamboo Playspace. Apu brings a wealth of local knowledge and expertise to the team.

Snigdha is an advocate for gender equality and the rights of a women and girls.
She ensures projects run smoothly, women and their communities feel heard, and are actively involved at all stages from those early design ideas all the way through construction.

Isabella is an MSc graduate of International Development, with previous experience as a fundraiser at a children’s mental health charity. She is passionate about getting to know communities and helping to deliver community-led projects.
Isabella uses her knowledge of sustainable development to share AzuKo’s story and impact, and raise vital funds for the charity.

Ujjol supports the financial management of Bangladesh projects, as well as project evaluations, and reporting requirements within country.

Bishawjit has been a longterm volunteer and supporter of AzuKo. He now joins us as an Architectural Assistant, having recently graduated from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU).
Bishawjit supports all aspects of architectural design, as well as bringing fresh design skills through graphics and photography.

Reena is a Freelance Consultant and has worked for the past 12 years in the international development sector with both large and small NGOs. Throughout this time social justice and womens’ empowerment have been the connecting thread through all projects.

Emma is a chartered Civil Engineer and has worked for a decade in the water and social sectors, both in the UK and India. She is a trained facilitator and passionate advocate for globally responsible engineering. As Head of Engineering at Engineers Without Borders UK she has worked to grow educational initiatives to reach over 30,000 professionals and university students.

Jeff is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 18 years of accounting experience, including the audit of and accounts preparation for charities. He is the Chief Financial Officer for the charity, Maisha Meds, which focuses on healthcare in Africa.

Shamira is the Multi Donor Trust Fund Manager at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), currently based in South Sudan. She has worked in different roles both managing operations and raising funds for UN agencies, international NGOs and national charities in the UK.

Deljana is Senior Lecturer in Urban Studies at the University of Manchester. Trained as an architect at ETH Zurich, she practised in Germany, China, Japan and the USA before earning a PhD in Social Engineering at Tokyo Institute of Technology. Deljana is Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Architecture and Chair of the Urban Studies Foundation.

Raymond is based in Hong Kong and has global experience in Corporate Services (specifically Building Services) with a blend of corporate and NGO experience. Having worked in most Asian countries, and over 20 countries globally, Raymond focuses on inherent sustainability issues in trying to empower communities with local solutions.

Jakhya has more than a decade of experience in global philanthropy and is currently the Director of the Swarovski Foundation. She has expertise in developing strategies, initiating and delivering global sustainability projects within companies and charities.

For opportunities to join the team, visit our work with us page.

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