Top role for Asian architect
AN ASIAN architect and design advocate has been appointed to the prestigious role of Commissioner of Historic England, the public body championing the country’s historic environment and heritage.
Nairita Chakraborty, who grew up in Delhi and studied at the School of Planning and Architecture before moving to the UK, has more than 16 years of experience in heritage, townscape and design.
She is a member of Historic England’s Advisory Committee and will start her new role as Commissioner from July 1 for a term of four years until June 2026.
“We are living in times of extreme challenges as well as opportunities, and I am hoping to promote the role of heritage as an important resource, one that enhances our cultural identity as well and contributes to a carbon neutral society,” said Chakraborty.
Her focus has been on the adaptation and restoration of historic buildings, bringing them back to use within wider regeneration plans.
She has produced work on the adaptation and conversion of large and complex listed buildings, as well as town centre, public realm, and conservation area schemes.
Some of her projects in London include Alexandra Palace, Tottenham High Road, Holborn Town Hall as well as work on the Historic Dockyards of Middlesbrough. “My public and private sector experience has given me a unique insight on the planning and conservation practices from both sides of the table, giving me the ability to critically but constructively look at both sides of arguments and offer best plausible solutions,” said Chakraborty.
“I am hoping to use this experience in supporting the role of Historic England in continually evolving their approach and advocacy for the historic environment.”
While her scientist father, writer mother and younger brother are based in Delhi, Chakraborty also has extended family in Kolkata and said the “deep connection with the City of Joy” and its colonial heritage have also been her inspiration.
“Travelling was an important part of my childhood that enabled me to see and experience India’s heritage from a young age, ultimately motivating me to a career in this field,” she added.
Chakraborty recently set up her own practice, Revive and Tailor, which focuses on integrating existing buildings within regeneration proposals.
She is also engaged with the Havering and Kensington and Chelsea’s Design Review Panels in the UK capital and is a member of the Royal Town Planners Institute and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.