Poroban are Architects and Makers that work within the realms of low-carbon architecture, urban design, construction and furniture. We are progressive, inclusive and enjoy collaborating with diverse communities to create experiential spaces and neighbourhoods. We like to work with local suppliers, manufacturers, educators and researchers, and encourage a hands-on, pragmatic approach to design. Our studio off Old Kent Road is immersed with sustainable materials, a model making workshop and full scale facade mockups that are developed in-house.
Poroban is a signatory of Architects Declare. We are here to combat climate change and are dedicated to informing and educating on low carbon materials and construction methods through tested experience. We are particularly interested in the experimentation and application of low carbon materials, low-tech passive environmental control, supporting local skills and promoting timber construction - championing the use of UK grown structural timber sourced from sustainable silvicultural managed forests.
Buildings account for 40% of UK total carbon emissions - Up to 30% of which is embodied in building materials. Interior finishes can constitute up to 50% of embodied carbon across the lifecycle of a building. Net zero carbon targets cannot be met without addressing this issue through the considered choice of
construction materials. As Architects, we have a responsibility and influence to addressing climate change and meeting the Net Zero 2050 target.
Poroban is also 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 schools, commercial and high profile 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 sustainable design and construction. His focus on innovative low carbon materials combined with supporting locally made construction products have led to a diverse range of projects that have helped promote and steer our construction sector towards meeting climate change targets.
His passion for sustainable community projects have led to winning major bids such as the Hastings Castle Visitor Centre; The LJ Greenlink - an urban design greening scheme in south London (supported by the Mayor of London and Lambeth Council); and to successfully crowdfunding a campaign with The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre to bring the Grade 2 listed theatre back into community use.
Alongside practice, Armeet has initiated a research study in partnership with UCA Canterbury to analyse embodied carbon within the domestic residential sector. The study aims to provide transparent data in the effects of specifying particular materials in the current market whilst also highlighting positive alternatives. It will encompass both construction and fitout, from shell to finishes and fixtures. The study involves collaborative partnerships with other architecture practices with findings to be presented back to both the public and built environment sector.
Previously to working in London, he lived in India for two years working with award winning studio 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, gaining valuable experience in traditional building techniques and building science.
Armeet is an associate lecturer at UAL Central Saint Martins, sessional 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 and operates Del the Dub - a 'mobile community engagement hub'.
Hamza Khan
Architectural Assistant
BArch (First Class) MArch
Hamza is currently immersed in housing and heritage projects that prioritize community impact and sustainable materials. He is passionate about architecture that tells a story—whether through adaptive reuse of historic structures or thoughtful, low-impact design for everyday living. His work sits at the intersection of people, place, and purpose.
Will Stevenson
Collaborator
Pinfold Workshop is a family-run cabinetry and furniture workshop in London. Poroban has partnered with the Pinfold Team for the creation of bespoke joinery, whilst also supporting our homegrown timber research and development. Pinfold has carried out architectural joinery elements on a number of projects to date, including New Cross House and Sweet Chestnut House.