bek@new-practice.co.uk
Bek Ziola
Senior Designer & Architect
BSc MArch ARB
they/he
Bek is an architect with over five years of experience working in practice for both large - and small- scale studios. Since graduation they have worked with Ica Studios leading on high-profile major developments for clients including CitizenM, Hilton and Virgin. They have a breadth of knowledge through all stages of design from concept to construction and designed within both local and international legal systems.
Bek is passionate and proactive about diversifying the architecture and construction industries, explored through collaborations and research-led projects such as ‘QueerSpace’ - presented during Architecture Fringe and at The Lighthouse, Glasgow - with outcomes including exhibitions and panel discussions. They were selected to interview for the Construction Scotland’s Innovation Centre Future Leaders Forum and are a founding member of OpenPlan Scotland, a volunteer led advocacy and support network for members of LGBTQIA+ studying or working in Architecture in Scotland. .
Bek is an innovative and conscientious designer who believes that the best designs are created from multidisciplinary teams and community engagement, because lived experience is invaluable to design. They are driven to create great places through the delivery of projects at significant urban scale.
““I am also passionate about experience design. I have always been looking for ways that I can apply my practical skills to assist others with telling their stories. This began when I was introduced to the artistic directors from Glas(s) Performance where I spent a number of years collaborating in autobiographical theatre productions.
Since then, I have branched out into event design - I enjoy creating sets for festivals and collaborating with performance artists. I am interested in architecture’s relationship to the wider creative industry. My personal love for performance art has been a strength in my understanding of the built environment.””