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 20 years of experience in private practice, owner and director of Smith Scott Mullan Associates in Edinburgh. Now a trustee, Rick has been an ABS ambassador since 2018.

“This is a rewarding role. I 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 use my personal and professional experience to help others, delivering professional development to other practices, fundraising and participating in workshops” –Rick.

Rick was honoured to represent ABS at the Queen’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2019 as a guest of our Patron, His Royal Highness Duke of Gloucester.

Katie Fisher is the founder of CARD (Collaboration, Agency, Research, Design) Projects, a practice which celebrates collaborative design and empowering agency in the built environment. Named a 2024 RIBA Rising Star for her work promoting inclusion in the industry, she is also a former co-chair of the Architecture Foundation Young Trustees. Katie currently sits on the RIBA National Council, where she is part of the Education Committee and the co-chair of the Finding and Accessing Architecture Expert Advisory Group. She also teaches Architecture at Ravensbourne University where she is currently organising and leading an affordable summer school to empower more students to have access to live design and build opportunities. As a passionate advocate for mental health, work place wellbeing and equity across the built environment, Katie has volunteered with the Architects Benevolent Society since 2021 as an ambassador, since 2023 she has sat on the Engagement and Development Committee and in 2025 joined the charities board of trustees.

Katie is a founding member of the Professional Architect Mentors (PAM), a collective of early-career architects dedicated to bridging education and practice. Katie is passionate about mentoring and has mentored across various programmes supporting young creatives and underrepresented talent including the Design Museum’s Ardagh Young Creatives, Built By Us, Open City Accelerate and the Social Mobility Foundation.