Shade Abdul is an architect, educator and researcher. She leads an interdisciplinary practice called Deft.Space, which works across architecture, research and participation. Her work focuses on participatory action research and inclusive regeneration that address socio-economic inequality. She is driven by design that is led by an in-depth understanding of not only the physical fabric, but also the social and economic conditions.

Shade currently teaches BA Architecture at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. She is a member of Southwark Council’s Land Commission, the first of its kind in London and only the second in England. She is a member of Newham Council’s Design Review Panel and a member of the Urban Design London’s Environmental Design Review Panel. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.