Poroban are designers and makers that work within the realms of architecture, urban design, furniture and installations for the creative arts. We are progressive, inclusive and enjoy collaborating with diverse communities to create exciting spaces and neighbourhoods. We like to work with local suppliers and manufacturers, and encourage a hands-on sustainable and pragmatic approach.
We are also here to combat climate change and seek to inform and educate via a multitude of mediums. Poroban is a signatory of Architects Declare and an advocate for buildings with a low carbon footprint. We are particularly interested in materials of low embodied energy, promoting timber construction, passive environmental control and supporting local skills. If buildings contribute to 40% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions, then we need to be more active in tackling this problem.
Poroban is a promoter of diversity in the construction sector and has committed to the Diverse Leaders Pledge.
Armeet Panesar
Director
MA(Hons) MArch (Dist)
ARB 079678F
Armeet studied at The University of Edinburgh. He worked at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios for over 7 years, during which time he led the design and delivery of a number of high profile schools, commercial and residential developments, including The Atlas Student Residence and Leisure Centre, Embassy Gardens and Hastings Academy.
Armeet founded Poroban in 2018 with an aim to push the boundaries in low energy building design. His focus in innovative low tech materials with low embodied energy and supporting locally made construction products have led to a diverse range of projects that have helped promote and steer our construction sector towards a low carbon future.
His passion for community projects led to winning bids to develop a greening scheme in south London supported by the Mayor of London and to developing design proposals with The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre who are campaigning to bring the theatre back into community use.
Previously to working in London, he lived in India for two years working with Opolis Architects in Mumbai. He was project architect for a self sustaining ashram in the Mulshi Ghats, using innovative techniques in structural bamboo design alongside conventional local construction materials. During his time with Opolis, he designed various private residences in collaboration with Rahul Mehrotra Associates and assisted in curating the Fumihiko Maki 361-degree exhibition in 2009.
He has been a visiting critique at the KRVIA architectural school in Mumbai and has developed various educational workshops to help local Indian communities engage with the city through performance and play.
Prior to his time in India, Armeet worked in Edinburgh with award winning architects Gray Marshall Associates, focusing on Historic Building conservation and adaptive re-use.
Armeet is an associate lecturer at UAL Central Saint Martins, design tutor at UCA Canterbury, a trustee for The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre, and a drummer and trombonist for the band Nkomba. Armeet also organises the annual Burns Night fundraising event on behalf of the Loughborough Junction Action Group.