Denise Bennetts has been part of the Article 25 story almost since the beginning. Co-founder of Bennetts Associates Architects, she began supporting the charity shortly after it was founded, before joining as a trustee and later succeeding Sunand Prasad as Chair.
We spoke to Denise about the projects that have stayed with her, and why Article 25's long-term, community-led approach sets it apart.
Tell us about your background, and how you first came across Article 25.
"I'm an architect. I was born, bred and educated in Edinburgh, but have spent most of my professional career in London. My husband and I formed Bennetts Associates Architects, with studios in London, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Very soon after the very new charity, Architects for Aid, was formed, we were approached as a practice to see if we would provide some very simple but regular financial support.
Being very impressed by the aims, the ambition and the integrity with which the charity was seeking to deliver much, much needed projects, we were delighted to support them. So when Sunand Prasad, the then chair, asked if I would become a trustee, I was delighted, and then subsequently I was asked to take over as chair of Article 25.
The impetus has always been to work with communities - architecture should be touching the ground lightly, and we have to make sure that when we leave a project, we have left the community in a better place, with the ability to take on and continue it. It's there for them and of them."
What made you decide to become a Trustee?
"It was about 2019, shortly before COVID. I had always been impressed by the vigour with which the organisation approached projects, and the fact that running a charity is not easy at any time - especially one in the built environment sector, which is itself quite cyclical.
Having seen how hard the previous trustees had worked to support the very good aims and ambitions of Article 25, I felt that as I was becoming less involved day-to-day within the practice, it was a good opportunity to bring my experience to help Article 25, but also to learn more."
Is there a project that has particularly stayed with you?
"It's very difficult to choose one, but the work we've been doing in Tanzania has an incredible resonance – not only with the actual needs those projects are addressing, but also in enabling especially the children.
The architecture is very particular; it's growing from what is needed by the environment there, with materiality which is available.
We've done housing, we've done medical facilities - they're all so important to their communities, and it's the users who should derive the value, not those of us helping to facilitate it."
What do you find most rewarding about being a Trustee?
"Simply enabling the charity to continue to do its good work is absolutely essential. The funding environment for all charities is difficult, and we have to make sure we can support our staff and everyone else to move forward.
That, in many respects, is hard work behind the scenes which isn't necessarily seen by many people – but it's what makes sure the communities that will benefit from our projects are supported throughout."
What's the value of the More Than a Building network?
“Initially, people getting involved get the pleasure of supporting the work that Article 25 does, but then it's the opportunity to meet other people who've got similar attitudes, and you end up growing a network - at different levels, from the next gen through to contractors and everybody else.
The built environment is very much about collaboration, along with the advantage that you're helping communities, often in the global South, who wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunities."
What do you think makes Article 25's approach distinctive?
"We don't simply take a look at a problem and come up with a solution – we look at the long-term solutions. The needs will change, and the building needs to accommodate that.
One of the things which always slides under the radar is how we're addressing sustainability – socially, in that we're looking at buildings to serve communities long term, and environmentally, in looking at climate, orientation and local materials. The work we've been doing with laterite is brilliant – building buildings made from the local ground is absolutely fantastic."
If you could share one thing about why this work matters, what would it be?
"We are unbelievably fortunate. We may think we have issues and difficulties and hardships, but the opportunities afforded to us are not available to many, many in the world.
To be able to look at an orphan in Tanzania and say we're working with the local community and other charities and funders to provide a fantastic environment for those young people, to realise and fulfil their potential, is just fantastic."
What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved – as a member, partner, volunteer or trustee?
"Get in touch with us, explain what you're interested in, and we would love to meet with you – whether in person, at a More than a Building event, or online.
There is so much to talk about with Article 25, that if you approach us, we would be very happy to engage with you. We're a transparent organisation, and we go in wanting to leave something that everybody is proud of – to work with you, and make everything the best that it can be for all parties involved."
Denise's journey with Article 25 – from a monthly donation as a young practice, to Chair of the Board – is a reminder of what long-term commitment can build. Her message to anyone weighing up getting involved is simple: get in touch, ask the questions that matter to you, and see where the conversation leads.
