Our Team

Stephen is CAA President. He is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, past Chairman of Architectural Association of Kenya, former Treasurer of African Union of Architects and former Vice President of East African Institute of Architects. He is appointed by the President of Kenya to the Selection Panel for Members of the National Gender and Equality Commission.

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John Brown is a registered architect, professor, and Dean at the University of Calgary. He has led significant expansions, including launching new degrees and a $40 million building project. Partner at Housebrand and Garden Loft, he focuses on innovative architectural practices and age-in-community design. As past RAIC President, he developed the first Governance Manual and new Strategic Plan. He has received several awards for his contributions.

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Peter is CAA Immediate Past President and is a member of the UN Habitat Stakeholder Advisory Group. He is former RIBA Vice President International and UIA Council Member, was lead author of the Survey of the Built Environment Professions in the Commonwealth, and has been an active contributor to the Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation across the Commonwealth.

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Flora Runumi is the first woman to graduate with a first-class degree from the Department of Architecture at Makerere University and her career has been marked by outstanding contributions across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Norway. With advanced qualifications in environmentally sensitive design, real estate & construction, project management, and arbitration, Flora has shaped both architectural education and policy at national and regional levels. Flor currently serves with the Uganda Society of Architects and was elected to be the CAA’s Honorary Secretary & Treasurer, also joining the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio member.

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With over 20 years of experience, Wilson began his career as an apprentice at Planning Systems Services Limited and graduated with an honours degree in Architecture from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He is currently the Managing Partner at Artcore Design Build LLP, specializing in Architecture, Interior Design, and Property Development. Previously, he was a Director at Insignia Dezyns Limited for 10 years. He aims to impact the built environment through good design, efficient management, and environmental respect.

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Maira Khan, is both an experienced educator and prominent architect. She served as CAA Executive Director from 2019-2024 currently serves as Vice President at the Institute of Architects Pakistan. She works as Assistant Professor at COMSATS University and Principal Architect at J & M Associates, where she inspires innovation and sustainability in future architects and design.

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Curisa Smith is the President of the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Architects (ABIA) and a passionate advocate for the advancement of the architectural profession across the Caribbean and the Americas. Curisa’s commitment to community building and education is evident through her work in launching the ABIA Fellows program, establishing the ABIAS mentorship initiative to foster the next generation of architects, and introducing an Affiliate membership category to deepen connections with local businesses and enhance professional networks. As Vice President for the Americas, Curisa is focused on creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive environments, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience, urban growth, and equitable spaces.

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Mina is the CAA Regional Vice President, Europe and the CAA’s Focal Point at the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). As a recognised expert in her field, Mina has also been elected to, and is actively involved with the UK Green Building Council’s Board of Trustees, RIBA Council, the joint UN Environment Programme, GlobalABC COP Task Force, and the UK Construction Industry Council Climate Change Committee.

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With 35 years in the Architecture/Built Environment sector, Vince has led design studios, chaired executives, and served as a global board director. Experienced in Australia, Asia, and the USA, he excels in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and business development. He grew revenues and managed teams of 1,000 staff. Currently semi-retired, Vince continues mentoring and contributing to industry committees.

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Nazmul holds a B-Arch from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and various certificates from esteemed institutions, including Cornell, Harvard, and MIT, in fields like hotel planning, urban life, and sustainability. Registered with the Institute of Architect Bangladesh (B-024), he has over 22 years of expertise in managing diverse architectural projects in commercial, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. Notable projects include the Le Meridien Dhaka, BNSB Eye Hospital Mymensingh, and Radisson Blu Water Garden renovation.

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Sui-Te Wu is an expert in design strategy with extensive client experience in public sector architecture, transport, education, BIM, and project governance. She is Director of Lean BIM Strategies, Co-Chair of the CAA Professional Practice Committee, and Chair of the RIBA Client Adviser Steering Group. A strategic thinker and collaborative leader, Ms. Wu champions design quality, environmental sustainability, social value, and inclusion through her work with major clients and stakeholders. Her notable experience includes the world-class Jubilee Line Extension Project for London Underground (1991-2000), serving as a CABE Enabler (2001-2011), and strategic advisory roles on Building Schools for the Future programs, Academy Trusts, and Local Authorities across the UK. She is also a core member of Climate Framework, mentors architects of diversity, and serves on the RIBA Standards Committee, bringing unique expertise in design transformation and inter-disciplinary collaboration.

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Umar is CAA Chair of Education. He is a Council member of IAP National Council, Chairman of the Board of Architectural Education (BAE‐IAP), a Member of the Punjab Housing Task Force (PHTF) and convener subcommittee of “New Cities”. Umar is engaged in developing architectural education in Pakistan and is a Board member at three universities. He is a visiting faculty member the at National College of Arts & University of Lahore.

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Hugo Chan is Director and Chartered Architect of StudioHC, with qualifications in architecture and environmental law, whose research-driven practice focuses on ecological and cultural sustainability through critical engagement with place. Since 2016, he has taught architecture history and theory at UNSW and urban renewal at the University of Sydney, while maintaining active involvement with the Australian Institute of Architects, serving on its National Heritage Committee. His award-winning research has included reports examining adaptive reuse, high-rise residential architecture, and cultural diversity in design with his writing being published in prominent architectural journals.

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Architect Jacob Mwangi serves as CAA Executive Director, has advanced architecture in East Africa and beyond, with an emphasis on sustainable design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resilient communities.  Jacob also champions professional standards, networks, and innovation across the Commonwealth and continues to serve as CEO of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).

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Architect Jacob Mwangi serves as CAA Executive Director, has advanced architecture in East Africa and beyond, with an emphasis on sustainable design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resilient communities.  Jacob also champions professional standards, networks, and innovation across the Commonwealth and continues to serve as CEO of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).

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Asim Jalal is the CAA’s IT Coordinator. He graduated in computing science from Pakistan and then moved to UK to pursue post graduate studies in IT, where he held several positions in London before joining a Press Office as IT Manager. Asim has also worked for the Government of Punjab, and the Board of Revenue, Punjab.

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Flora Runumi is the first woman to graduate with a first-class degree from the Department of Architecture at Makerere University and her career has been marked by outstanding contributions across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Norway. With advanced qualifications in environmentally sensitive design, real estate & construction, project management, and arbitration, Flora has shaped both architectural education and policy at national and regional levels. Flor currently serves with the Uganda Society of Architects and was elected to be the CAA’s Honorary Secretary & Treasurer, also joining the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio member.

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Vincent is a former President of the CAA. He is currently the President of the Kamra tal-Periti, National Delegate to the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) and the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers (FICE) and of the Institute of Health Estate Engineering Management (FIHEEM). He served as Director General of Public Works until February 2023 when he was appointed Chair of the Environment and Resources Authority Board.

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An architect with experience of working in public, private and third sectors both in the UK and Africa, having most recently served as primary researcher for the East African Schools Design Guide on behalf of the Feilden Foundation in partnership with the Belgian development agency Enabel.

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An engineer with 40 years of experience in infrastructure development in low-income countries, most recently as Head of Profession (Infrastructure and Urban) at the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.

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An urban designer and strategist working to maximise the value of urban public space. As a Trustee and Vice Chair of ‘Living Streets’, Christopher brings a wealth of experience in charity governance and funding.

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Sumita is an award-winning architect, Professor of Architecture, and author of many books. Sumita founded Architects for Change, the Equality forum at RIBA. Sumita is a trustee of four built environment charities including the Architects Benevolent Society and RIBA. Sumita received the OBE for services to architecture in 2021.

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Nazmul holds a B-Arch from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and various certificates from esteemed institutions, including Cornell, Harvard, and MIT, in fields like hotel planning, urban life, and sustainability. Registered with the Institute of Architect Bangladesh (B-024), he has over 22 years of expertise in managing diverse architectural projects in commercial, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. Notable projects include the Le Meridien Dhaka, BNSB Eye Hospital Mymensingh, and Radisson Blu Water Garden renovation.

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Sui-Te Wu is an expert in design strategy with extensive client experience in public sector architecture, transport, education, BIM, and project governance. She is Director of Lean BIM Strategies, Co-Chair of the CAA Professional Practice Committee, and Chair of the RIBA Client Adviser Steering Group. A strategic thinker and collaborative leader, Ms. Wu champions design quality, environmental sustainability, social value, and inclusion through her work with major clients and stakeholders. Her notable experience includes the world-class Jubilee Line Extension Project for London Underground (1991-2000), serving as a CABE Enabler (2001-2011), and strategic advisory roles on Building Schools for the Future programs, Academy Trusts, and Local Authorities across the UK. She is also a core member of Climate Framework, mentors architects of diversity, and serves on the RIBA Standards Committee, bringing unique expertise in design transformation and inter-disciplinary collaboration.

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Saad Mahmood Khan is a distinguished architect with over 32 years of professional experience in architecture, interior design, project management, and construction. A graduate with distinction from the National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan; he is a Partner at SR DesignWorks (SRDW), a full-service design firm specializing in corporate, institutional, commercial, and residential projects across Pakistan and abroad. Saad has also co-founded several allied design and construction firms and has served as President of the Institute of Architects Pakistan (2021–2023), representing the country at various international platforms. His leadership within the architectural community, participation as a juror, and service on the Pakistan Council of Architects & Town Planners accreditation team reflect his enduring commitment to professional excellence and design integrity.

John is a highly accomplished architect with over 30 years of experience in all design and construction phases. Believing that an architect should provide intelligent design solutions that make sense in a world where climate change is the preeminent problem, he has developed a reputation for successfully designing and managing challenging projects with award-winning sustainable designs throughout his professional career. He is well-known across Canada for his advocacy and thought leadership in low-carbon and regenerative design. As a means of advocating for the changes in the built environment needed to address climate change, John contributes to the RAIC’s Committee on Regenerative Environments and the CAA’s Professional Practice Committee.

Umar is CAA Chair of Education. He is a Council member of IAP National Council, Chairman of the Board of Architectural Education (BAE‐IAP), a Member of the Punjab Housing Task Force (PHTF) and convener subcommittee of “New Cities”. Umar is engaged in developing architectural education in Pakistan and is a Board member at three universities. He is a visiting faculty member the at National College of Arts & University of Lahore.

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Shari Blanch is a Senior Architect and Health Design Researcher at Jacobs, based in Brisbane, Australia. Her career path was shaped by formative travels through Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa, where she developed a strong interest in the intersection of development and architecture. Over the past decade, Shari has focused on healthcare architecture, specialising in evidence-based design and post-occupancy evaluation to create responsive environments that support better health outcomes. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between academia and practice, championing the translation of research into meaningful built projects. As a member of the Commonwealth Association of Architects Education Committee, Shari supports knowledge exchange across architectural institutions and promotes collaboration throughout the Commonwealth.

Professor Heba Elsharkawy is Professor of Architecture and Head of the Department of Architecture and Landscape at Kingston School of Art, Kingston University. With over 23 years in higher education, she has advanced through academic roles from Teaching Assistant to Professor. She is a registered architect in the MENA region and holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of Nottingham. Her research focuses on environmental design, sustainability, and climate-resilient education. Professor Elsharkawy has led major funded projects, including British Council and Medical Research Council grants, totalling over £470,000. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a Fellow Chartered Member of CIAT. She co-chairs the SCOSA Council and leads its Climate Literacy Working Group, while also serving on the Education Committee of the Commonwealth Association of Architects. Her leadership has shaped curriculum innovation, international partnerships, and sustainable architectural practice.

David Fortin is a Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Waterloo, a registered architect, and a Canada Research Chair. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Edinburgh in 2009 and has since taught undergraduate and graduate courses in architectural design, history and theory in the UK, USA, and Canada. He is a founding member of the RAIC Indigenous Task Force and founding board member of AIVIA (Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Architecture). His research and practice focus on questions surrounding speculative futures, Métis architecture, and reconciliation, critical relationalism, and design.

Dr Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei as co-leader representing the Pacific Region from NZIA is Tongan Registered Architect, Researcher, and Educator at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland and is a Consultant Cultural Engagement Designer and Senior Architect at GB-A, Brisbane Australia. As a researcher, Charmaine specialises in Tongan and Fijian architectural histories, Pacific architectural praxes, Indigenous design approaches, and the built environments of the Pacific diaspora. Her work is concerned with how Indigenous peoples’ values shape space, and reciprocally, how those values are informed by space. As an architect, Charmaine has practiced in Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Australia, and led projects in the other Southwestern Pacific Islands. She is director of Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei Architecture which is devoted to research-informed projects that are meaningful to Pacific communities.

Archt. Dr. Rohana Bandara Herath is a Chartered Architect, Immediate Past President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, and Vice President of the Organization of Professional Associations in Sri Lanka. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Built Environment (1990) and Master of Science in Architecture (1992) from the University of Moratuwa, and received his Doctorate from the Management and Science University, Malaysia, in 2024. Dr. Herath founded RBH Design Group in 2004, delivering consultancy services for landmark and award-winning projects across Sri Lanka. He has served the academic community for over a decade at leading institutions including the Universities of Moratuwa, Kelaniya, and Colombo, and as Chairman of the City School of Architecture. He is a Fellow Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and an International Associate of the American Institute of Architects, with extensive experience as a juror, presenter, and panelist at national and international architectural forums.

Sienna Lewis is an architect representing the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects. Having obtained my Masters in Architecture and returned home to begin my career. Driven by my love of people, cultures and the natural environment, Sienna possesses a strong passion for sustainable development of the built environment in light of the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanization. She is driven to ensure that the future of my country and others within the Commonwealth develop in a way that engages even the most overlooked communities with inclusivity, safety, resilience and sustainability firmly in mind.

Joanna Nsenga is a licensed architect from Rwanda with a BA in Architecture from California Baptist University. She serves as a Senior Project Manager at Journeyman International and as a council member of the East African Institute of Architects. Her professional journey has fueled my passion for bridging the gap between academia and architectural practice. As a member of the CYSU Steering Committee, Joanna has been applying her passion to promote sustainable urbanization by fostering collaboration between students, professionals, and policymakers to create impactful, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.

Mahiat Hasna Shawrna is a Senior Assistant Architect at the Ministry of Housing & Public Works in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and a member of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from BRAC University, Bangladesh, and a Master’s degree in Urban Management & Development (specializing in Infrastructure & Green Cities) from IHS, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her work spans architectural design and layout planning for public buildings, as well as providing policy recommendations/advice/assistance to the government on human settlements, land use planning across various Ministries, Departments, Directorates, and Corporations. She has previously served as co-editor of the Chattogram City Road Safety Report (2020-2022) and as a technical member of the Building Construction Committee for Patuakhali and Bhola Districts.