I come from a diverse background, that encompasses arts, exhibition design and extensive collaborative work with communities. These experiences along with my passion for travelling and exploring different cultures have strongly influenced my values and approach to urban design.
It was in my teenage years at a youth art school in Lithuania that I discovered the transformative power of creativity and visual thinking. Spending summers immersed in urban landscapes, I practised my drawing skills, experimenting with techniques to capture the essence of places. It instilled in me an approach to drawing not only as a means of representation but also as a tool for thinking, conceptualisation, and communication.
Transitioning into exhibition design further enriched my understanding of immersive environments. I learned to balance guidance with freedom of exploration and interpretation. This experience deepened my appreciation for the experiential dimension of design and the importance of fostering personal connections with the surroundings.
A pivotal moment in my career came when I established a makers’ workshop in Edinburgh. Collaborating closely with the local community, I witnessed the incredible strength in collective thinking and skill-sharing. Through this project, I saw first-hand how inclusive design practices can empower individuals, bring community together, and shape vibrant urban spaces. It reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for the empowerment of communities and prioritising inclusivity in urban design, which I had pleasure to apply in many projects including Heathrow Expansion Community Engagement and assisting to create a vision for new communities in Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia.