Marc is Associate Director of Place, Housing & Economic Investment at Scottish Futures Trust, bringing over 15 years of experience in placemaking, regeneration, and community-led development. Before joining SFT, he co-founded and served as Director of Place at New Practice (now part of Civic), helping grow it into a nationally recognised practice for creative placemaking, public realm design, and meaningful community engagement – with expertise spanning strategic direction, governance, and complex organisational change.

Yet Marc’s connection to ABS runs deeper than his professional credentials: when his team experienced bereavement, ABS provided vital practical and emotional support, an experience that made him a passionate advocate for the Society and, later, an Ambassador. A dedicated participant in the ABS Chicken Run, he has twice raised the highest individual funds. His appointment brings to the Board a voice that is both strategically experienced and personally invested – someone who knows firsthand what ABS means to the people it serves.

Kuljeet is the founding Director of Diverse Dialogues, a consultancy focused on embedding design quality, equity, and social sustainability into how we shape and deliver cities, by advising local authorities, developers, and design teams on commissioning places with social value.

Kuljeet brings over 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning architecture, urban regeneration, planning, public realm delivery, housing, and research. Her approach is shaped by lived experience, deep empathy, and a commitment to negotiating the often-complex dynamics of inclusive city-making. An advocate for gender-informed and inclusive design, she has delivered high-profile work for the Mayor of London and LLDC. She contributes strategically through her roles on Design and Quality Review Panels and is a UN Women UK CSW ’69 participant.

Kuljeet is an Associate Lecturer on the BA Architecture programme at Central Saint Martins, UAL, and through the CSM Insights Programme, supports students from underrepresented backgrounds to dismantle barriers and access sustainable creative careers.

Deborah Kearns is a recently retired NHS GP with over 35 years’ experience in primary care. Alongside her clinical work, she held leadership roles in clinical commissioning, supporting service improvement and change management across health services in Hertfordshire. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners, recognising her long-standing contribution to general practice. Deborah has a strong personal connection to architecture through her family, which has given her a deep appreciation of the profession and it’s challenges.

She is honoured to support the work of the Architect’s Benevolent Society and is committed to contributing her healthcare insight and governance experience to further the charity’s mission.

Robert Bedner is the Director of Cura Design an award-winning architectural practice offering biophilic design since 2012. Originally from Greenwich, Connecticut USA, Robert has spent a life in architecture from working with Sverre Fehn in Norway and Renzo Piano in Paris and the artist Vito Acconci in New York to Cura Designs ongoing residential and community projects in the UK. The practice endeavours to best serve the natural world through integrating design and architectural technology with nature for our well-being and to protect and enhance nature and biodiversity. Cura as a word can be translated in Portuguese as “the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again”. Robert has also found his way towards cultivating practices of folk and devotional singing and meditation as well as interests in traditional spiritual practices based in Brazil. Robert currently lives in Devon with his family, small dog and two cats.

Mark joined as a Trustee in early 2024 and was appointed Honorary Treasurer in June 2024.  Mark has a Commerce degree from the University of Queensland, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Australia and is currently a Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers in the UK.  He has over 30 years’ experience in finance and risk management for both the financial services and corporate sectors.

“I bring a different background to the ABS Board of Trustees and look forward to contributing to its benevolent strategy in these challenging times.” – Mark

Sangeeta is an architecture professional and works for FBM Architects on award-winning projects in the public & private sector. She is currently a volunteer at the Islington division of: Keep Our NHS Public, looking after long and short-term IT needs. She has also been a committee member at GSS UK for three years.

“I joined the ABS team as a Trustee because it gives me great satisfaction to contribute to worthwhile causes, and I believe I could add value through my diverse experiences. I enjoy meeting new people and forming meaningful connections. ” –Sangeeta

Andy is an Architect, running a practice in Scotland. Though he had been aware of ABS, it wasn’t until he suffered an accident in 2014 that he truly appreciated the value of the support ABS provides.

“[ABS] were of great moral and financial support to myself but more importantly to my family immediately following my accident and during my recovery. It is a privilege to now be an ambassador for this fabulous society and be able to share my experience from my family’s time of need and what the ABS can offer us all” –Andy.

Rick is an Architect with nearly 20 years of experience in private practice, and is a director and owner of Smith Scott Mullan in Edinburgh. Prior to fulfilling the role as Trustee, Rick also served as an ABS Ambassador for several years.

“Being an ABS Trustee is an extremely rewarding role. I use my personal and professional experience to contribute to the governance of the charity and help guide strategy. I also use my time and contacts to spread the word about the work ABS does and the support available for people in our profession. It is great to give back to the industry and be able to help others.” – Rick.

Rick was previously honoured to represent ABS at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace as a guest of our Patron, His Royal Highness Duke of Gloucester.