HomeGrown Plus

London, Greater London, United Kingdom

£26,750

raised so far

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This project successfully funded on 27th June 2023, you can still support them with a donation.

Aim: An opportunity to send 10 Architectural students from the global majority for 9 days to NYC for a life-changing experience.

Who We Are1680015419_ae69144e-d257-49c2-8943-b2a567dd005b.jpg

HomeGrown Plus is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving diversity in Architecture and the creative industries.  

Founded by Neil Pinder, Head of Product Design and Architecture at Graveney School in South London, HG+ assist students (secondary school and university) in their journey to a life in Architecture and design but who do not have a role model.  

What We Do

We run initiatives aimed at students from underrepresented communities who are passionate about improving the cities and spaces we live in. We use the terms global majority and Non-traditional backgrounds in lieu of BAME because we feel the issue of exclusivity is wider than the ethnic make-up of the individual.  

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Our work with secondary school students exposes them to the world of Architecture and provides insight into what Architects do.  We organise design events within Architectural practices, visit notable buildings, and create co-design events on community projects.  Our “learning by doing” projects in; design, sustainability, housing and technology enthuses young people directly impacted by social/economic and cultural deprivation.   

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Our work with university students helps them navigate the academic rigor of learning for students who are predominantly first generation university learners within their environment. We mentor, assist placing work experience and create student exchange between cities to help re-ignite their passion for Architecture.  

Support NY-LON 23

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NY-LON 23 is a New York-London exchange where we bring UK students to New York to visit Architectural practices, learn about building in New York, explore Manhattan & Brooklyn and work with design leaders from Pratt Institute's School of Architecture.

Bareena Borhan from our inaugural cohort said of NY-LON 22;

"Seeing New York reaffirmed I’m in the right industry. During my 10 days in the city, I felt so comfortable.  I’ve come away with a renewed sense of self-belief and independence".

Why We Do It

Students from underrepresented groups have a considerable higher "drop-out" rate than traditional students and only one in five qualified Architect identifies as being from the global majority. In order for us to live in a society where all voices can be heard we need to ensure that the path to to all professions is accessible to all.  In the UK only 2% of Architects in the Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA) are black.  Increasing the number of black and other global majority groups means not only accessing educational systems, but retention of those students once they have entered.

We Need your Help

Creating this life-changing experience for university students costs money and requires a lot of organisation. Please help us help the next generation of Architects and creative problem solvers in their journey to finding their path within the built environment.  Sponsor us, sponsor a student and help us make this student experience happen!

Thank You!



BA Better World Community Fund donated to this cause

BA Better World Community Fund has provided £25,000 of match funding

Avios Donations donated to this cause

Avios Donations has provided £190 of match funding

BA Better World Community Fund Employee Giving 2023 donated to this cause

BA Better World Community Fund Employee Giving 2023 has provided £120 of match funding

BA Better World Community Fund Employee Giving 2024 donated to this cause

BA Better World Community Fund Employee Giving 2024 has provided £80 of match funding

The British Airways Club donated to this cause

The British Airways Club has provided £60 of match funding


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