Naserian Saruni is a versatile design expert with a background in architecture and urban research. Her passion lies in championing sustainable communities through design justice and creating inclusive urban environments. With a focus on participatory design and program management, Naserian excels at driving sustainable development practices. She explores the application of design on a broader scale to tackle complex challenges faced by African communities. Her notable work includes projects with Voices  for 4change and Architects without Borders, where she employed Hip-hop Architecture to empower communities and foster ownership of their urban spaces.

Naserian is a dedicated advocate for user-based research and community-led interventions. She has worked in Nairobi’s underserved communities for the past five years working with various stakeholders to co-create public space solutions, community urbanism approaches and dynamic research and policy contribution. She has also gotten industry recognition for leading the leading the Mukuru Kwa Njenga re-design team and sustainable housing advocacy. Her leadership in gender equality and sexual reproductive health initiatives with Fryshuset and Hope Raisers highlights her ability to develop tailored solutions through Human-Centered Design. She is also skilled in program development, budget management, and partnership building with various organizations and government agencies. Beyond design, she actively addresses the needs of women in the built environment sector through educational content and advocacy. Her commitment to design justice and social innovation drives her career, and she excels in bringing diverse stakeholders together to create inclusive and sustainable communities.

Naserian’s expertise  at ThinkPlace extends to projects in health design, value chain analysis research, and strategic programs as displayed by her work within the GAVI REACH project. Her vision for design-driven social impact and community empowerment makes her a valuable bridge-builder between the public, private, and plural sectors.