Building the Future: How Built By Us is Supporting Inclusion & Innovation in the Built Environment

Inclusion and diversity often take a back seat in an industry as complex and essential as the built environment. But at Built By Us, this is precisely where their mission begins. Committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive sector, Built By Us is pioneering change through their consultancy, advocacy, and flagship programmes: SHAPE and FLUID. Together, these initiatives aim to ensure that underrepresented voices have a seat at the table and are empowered to lead the way.

Empowering Entrepreneurs with SHAPE

The SHAPE Programme is a dynamic initiative designed to uplift emerging entrepreneurs in construction and the built environment. It provides a comprehensive toolkit—offering access to networks, mentorship, and knowledge—that helps founders build businesses poised for long-term success. Whether you're just laying the foundation or have been established for up to four years, SHAPE creates an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry experts and fellow innovators equally committed to social and environmental change.

This year’s cohort brings together a vibrant mix of 15 founders, hailing from places as varied as Manchester to Malawi. Each participant is looking to ignite the spark that will drive their business or idea forward, and SHAPE welcomes talent from all walks of life. The programme specifically seeks out individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups—whether they are women, people of the Global Majority (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds), disabled individuals, LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, or those facing socio-economic challenges.

These founders have already gained invaluable insights from experts such as Karen Fugle, who spoke on business model development, and Mike from Lime Green, who shared fundraising strategies. The SHAPE Programme blends practical, hands-on workshops with tailored mentoring, ensuring participants receive personalised guidance to refine their business strategies and take confident steps forward.

Shaping Success Stories: Sem Lee and Randy Forson

Two of this year’s participants, Sem Lee and Randy Forson, typify the SHAPE Programme's impact. 

As the founder of OURI Labs, Sem’s mission is to help built environment professionals collaborate better to achieve a Just Transition to Net Zero. Reflecting on SHAPE’s impact, Sem said, "SHAPE has helped me expand my network and navigate the challenges faced by early-stage businesses in this sector. The support has been invaluable."

Randy, co-founder of Formaer, is equally enthusiastic. Formaer aims to revolutionise home furnishing by offering a platform where customers can design bespoke furniture pieces tailored precisely to their needs. "As a first-time founder, SHAPE has been an incredible experience. The mentoring and workshops have given me the tools I need to turn our vision into reality," Randy explains. Formaer recently launched its landing page and demo, with high hopes of shaking up the furniture industry through its innovative, customisable offerings.

OURI Labs: Forging a Just Transition

Founded two years ago, OURI Labs is an urban research consultancy facilitating collaboration across the built environment sector to achieve just and sustainable outcomes. The company, led by Sem Lee, has made its mark by emphasising participatory design and fostering equitable futures. "SHAPE has been a great asset in building my network and tackling early-stage challenges," Sem says. As OURI Labs continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of delivering a Just Transition to Net Zero.

Formaer: A New Vision for Home Furnishing

For Randy Forson, the idea for Formaer was born while studying at Cambridge. Today, that idea has evolved into a platform poised to disrupt the furniture market by offering high-quality, custom-designed pieces at an affordable price point. "We’re partnering with top-tier digital fabrication labs to ensure both craftsmanship and affordability," Randy explains. SHAPE has provided him with the mentorship and support necessary to launch Formaer, which now boasts a live demo and a growing waitlist of eager customers.

A Future Built by Us

As Built By Us continues its mission, the organisation’s founder and CEO, Danna Walker, is both optimistic and proud of the programme’s impact. "Built By Us exists to drive inclusion and equity in the built environment. We do this by creating spaces where diverse talent can grow and thrive. We are proud to be part of our Shapers’ journeys and excited to see how their passion, curiosity, and expertise will create positve impact in our sector.."

The future of the built environment is changing—and thanks to initiatives like SHAPE, it’s becoming more inclusive, innovative, and representative of the communities it serves.

To learn more about Built By Us and how they are shaping the future of the built environment, visit their website at www.builtbyus.org. You can also explore the innovative projects from SHAPE participants at www.ouri-labs.com and www.formaer.co.uk.

The Shape Programme is proudly  supported by Surface Matter and the Laudes Foundation