Being Black in Construction

Black History Year welcomes you to Being Black in Construction happening on November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Europe/London).

Join us for an insightful discussion led by Wilfred M Achille with guest speakers Terrance James and Renata Dickson-Nwosu on the experiences, challenges, and achievements of Black professionals in the construction industry. Let's come together to learn, share, and support each other in this dynamic field. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights. See you there!

Terrance James

Terrance is a Chartered Engineer and senior leader with over 40 years’ experience in construction, housing, and education. He has led major regeneration and infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally, from delivering thousands of new homes and community facilities to advising on large-scale NHS and transport programmes.

Alongside his executive career, Terrance has been deeply committed to governance and representation. He has served as Chair and Non-Executive Director across housing associations, youth organisations, and educational boards. Currently, he is Chair of the Resources Committee at the University of Westminster and Link Governor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Croydon College.

As a Black man in construction and leadership, Terrance brings both lived experience and professional insight into the barriers and opportunities facing underrepresented groups in the sector. His focus is on creating pathways for the next generation of diverse leaders, ensuring that construction reflects the communities it serves.

Renata Dickson-Nwosu

Renata is the founder of Studio RDN-X, a design and architecture studio redefining luxury living by blending cultural heritage, contemporary aesthetics, and spatial innovation. With a keen focus on high-end residential, hospitality, and sustainable experiential spaces.

Studio RDN-X creates environments that seamlessly merge craftsmanship, storytelling, and modern functionality while prioritising the use of sustainable materials and ethical sourcing.

Renata lives in North London and draws on her fine art and fashion textile roots, influenced by her Igbo/British upbringing and deep appreciation for her West African Heritage. Her design philosophy is cantered on textural storytelling, curated materiality, and local craftsmanship, ensuring that each project resonates with authenticity while catering to global sensibilities.

Beyond practice, Renata is dedicated to design advocacy and mentorship, actively contributing to conversations on cultural integration in contemporary spaces. She is part of Professional Architecture Mentors with Westminster University as a Part III Champion.

She engages in industry dialogues through her podcast, Musings Behind the Creative, mentors emerging designers, and continuously pushes the boundaries of interior architecture with a vision that bridges tradition and modernity.

Wilfred M Achille

Wilfred has taught as a professional studies advisor and module leader in Professional Development for the last 18 years at the University of Westminster, the University of Nottingham, and Oxford Brookes University. He has been an external examiner at Bath, RIBA Northwest, Portsmouth & International Examiner in the University of Technology, Jamacia & University of Johannesburg, South Africa. And has also been a Professional advisor at Leeds Becket University with over 30 years’ experience as a RIBA chartered architect.

After working on the rebuilding of Broadwater, Tottenham, Wilfred completed a major study about Broadwater Farm Estate, Tottenham after the nineteen eighties riots. Founder of Mode 1 Architects specialising in inner-city urban regeneration projects and working with local councils, governments, and communities across London and internationally.