Demystifying International Careers

Breaking into architecture is hard enough. For international graduates and practitioners, it comes with an added layer of complexity navigating visa requirements, decoding a profession that can feel opaque from the outside, and building a career in a country where the networks, norms, and pathways aren't always made visible or accessible.
This is a panel event part of Open Studio and kindly hosted at the Zaha Hadid Foundation exploring the realities of building an architectural career in the UK as an international graduate.
Practitioners who have navigated international moves share their stories, from visa pathways and job searching to what it actually feels like to belong in a new city and profession. Hear from the ARB on current engagement and consultations. Followed by open networking.
Panellists

Luis Rojas‑Paipilla is an architect with dual registration in Colombia and the UK. He is the co‑founder of the IAC – International Architects Collective, an initiative that supports international practitioners seeking ARB registration through non‑traditional routes, including the Prescribed Examination.
Luis is also a Senior Mentor at Narrative Practice and currently the Head of Design at DG Glass – Architectural Façade Systems. His professional experience spans private residential, heritage, healthcare, and façade design projects.

Abdur Raafay is an Architectural Designer whose career journey closely mirrors the experience of many fresh graduates and international architects seeking to enter the United Kingdom’s architectural industry. Having personally navigated the challenges of relocating, adapting to UK professional standards, and securing opportunities within a competitive job market, he now combines hands-on architectural practice with a strong commitment to guiding others through the same transition.
Currently working at Pritpal Chana Architects Ltd, Abdur has developed practical expertise in UK residential projects, planning policy, building regulations, technical detailing, and client coordination, alongside a clear understanding of what employers expect from graduates beyond university education.

Keren Obi Uzu is an Architectural Designer specialising in large‑scale healthcare projects, with expertise spanning technical design, construction, project delivery, feasibility studies, and the application of HTM and HBN standards. She brings a comprehensive, hands on understanding of healthcare infrastructure delivery, working across all RIBA stages from concept through to construction.
Currently at Arcadis, Keren is part of the team delivering the £350m Oriel Hospital project in London and Cambridge Children’s Hospital in Cambridge. Her wider portfolio spans healthcare, residential, and masterplanning projects across the UK and Nigeria, with previous experience at WSP, Murphy Philipps Architects, and ACCL.
We will also be joined by Simon Howard, Director of Policy and Comms at the ARB (Architects Registration Board).
About Open Studio
Open Studio is :scale’s flagship programme, facilitating spaces for emerging creatives to connect, learn, and grow within the industry.
Led by creative director Sana Tabassum, the studio offers collaborative workshops and mentoring that open up conversations around career development and creative practice.
By linking early-career talent with leading practices across London, Open Studio helps bridge the gap between education and the professional world.
*Please note that filming/photography is taking place at this event for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our website and social media channels.
Spaces are subject to first come, first serve availability.