Poroban are Architects 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, passive environmental control, supporting local skills and promoting timber construction - championing the use of UK grown structural timber sourced from sustainable silvicultural managed forests. If buildings contribute to 40% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions, then our sector has a huge responsibility in addressing climate change and meeting the net zero 2050 target.
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 sustainable community projects led to winning bids for a 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 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 community outreach live music performance hub.