HomeGrown Plus

Who We Are

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.  

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.   

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

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!