Equipping young people with the skills to become the change-makers of tomorrow

Building young people’s ability to achieve

Build Up runs practical construction projects for young people aged 10 – 23 to design and build structures in their local communities.

We give young people the opportunity to run and manage construction sites, make real decisions and see the real-life impact they can have. Working locally in schools, community centres and playgrounds, Build Up enables young people to take on roles and skills they never have had access to before.

Build Up’s Impact

We support London’s young people shape where they live and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Our projects build generations of skilled, capable and confident young Londoners. For local communities projects create a structure built by and for those who will enjoy it, bringing together housing associations, schools, families and volunteers.

Read our Three Year 2018-21 Report

Read our latest Impact Report and Annual Report and Accounts

Build Up’s story

Build Up was founded in 2014 by construction company Adventure Playground Engineers (APES).

Named originally as Risk Agency, the company sought to create a training programme that gave young people the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and develop fundamental life skills.

Our beginnings were simple; a group of young people, construction tools, a supply of materials and a stock of ideas. In five days and with the hard work of five talented young people we built our first project at Oasis Children’s Venture.

We have come along way since then and in 2017 Risk Agency’s trustees and staff decided to change the charity’s name to Build Up Foundation in response to partner feedback. Giving young people the space to take risks and test out ideas remains central to what we do; this is how we Build Up the next generation.

Build Up’s team

BUILD UP STAFF

Huan Rimington | Director

Huan is founding Director at Build Up and has led our development since 2014. Trained in architecture and spatial planning, Huan has 11 years’ experience in leading public realm design and build schemes, community engagement and on-site construction. Huan has previously worked for Citizens UK and lead participatory public realm initiatives in Bucharest and Tarlungeni (Romania).

Prior to Build Up, Huan was project manager of Adventure Playground Engineers and lead the construction of the award winning Olympic Park Tumbling Bay Playground.

Olivia Chester | Programme Manager

Olivia is a trained Architect, with experience across public, residential and community spaces. Growing up on building sites led by a woman, she is passionate about widening access to careers in design and construction for young people.

Olivia’s personal interests lie in public engagement in spatial processes, participatory design, the commons and how the shape of our cities should be directed by the people that inhabit them. Alongside coordinating the design, delivery and management of our projects, Olivia has extensive experience working with local community groups in East London.

Bhav Kotecha | Finance Lead

Bhav leads on Build Up’s Finance’s and brings to our team a wealth of charity finance, strategy and leadership experience.

Design and Construction Leads

Hugh Pottinger, Helen Caulfield, Jack Case, Daniel Palmer, Rhubi Worth

BUILD UP’S BOARD

Hannah Monteith | Chair

Fundraising Manager at Dimbleby Cancer Care and event producer with over 10 years experience in supporting small and medium-sized charities. Hannah brings to Build Up a wealth of experience producing, coordinating and managing events in community and cultural venues across London. She is currently Fringe Coordinator for Peckham Rye Music Festival where she is setting up a new charitable incorporated organisation to work with local young people.

Linnie Mclarty | Vice Chair

Silversmith, award-winning jewellery designer with experience of theatre and film set and prop design. Linnie is also a local parent.

Neba Sere | Trustee

Neba is an architectural designer and co-founder of Black Females in Architecture (BFA). Before joining the board, Neba previously lead projects for Build Up, including our Aldriche Way community space project.

John O’Driscoll | Founding Member

As Director of Adventure Playground Engineers, John brings over 25 years construction experience to Build Up along with a wide network of contacts in the industry. Following many years of supporting community groups through pro bono work, in 2014 the company adopted a new strategic approach to its social commitments with the foundation of Build Up.

Gurpreet Sidhu | Founding Member

As Development Director of Adventure Playground Engineers, Gurpreet provides in-kind development support for Build Up. Gurpreet is also the Director of A5cend, an ethical consultancy offering strategy and income generation advice to the third sector.

Equipping young people with the skills to become the change-makers of tomorrow

Building young people’s ability to achieve

Build Up’s Impact

Build Up’s story

Build Up’s team

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