Andre - Reshaping Neighbourhoods
Andre Reid
Founder and CEO of KIONDO
BA (Hons) Architecture
BCU gave Andre the skills and confidence he needed to be a successful architect and entrepreneur. His business, KIONDO, is changing his local community by providing a creative space for local entrepreneurs and innovators who want to give back to society.
“After completing my A-Levels, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do at university, so I took a gap year to explore my passions for photography, music and drawing. During this year, I discovered a new interest in architecture. I applied for an architecture summer school to learn more which led to me applying for an internship in Shanghai with RMJM Architects and the Architectural Association. These opportunities deepened my understanding of architecture and helped me realise it was the perfect career to do something creative yet impactful.
I chose BCU because the School of Architecture offered a fantastic opportunity to learn in a diverse and dynamic environment. The variety of people, personalities, skills, and talents at BCU made it the ideal place for me to grow. I collaborated with people on my course and also those studying other disciplines, it was inspiring to learn from others in a creative environment. The projects pushed us to think outside the box and consider how people interact with spaces and buildings.
One of the highlights of the course was the opportunity to travel. I visited Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and Seville, which broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of different architectural styles and cultural influences. These experiences and the skills I developed at BCU have been invaluable in my career.
After graduation, I secured a role in an architectural design practice. I learned a lot working for the practice, but I’d always had an entrepreneurial mindset and wanted to start my own business. I took the leap and decided to set up Blacktapestudios, my first business. We transformed an old bookbinders called Henry Mills in Birmingham city centre into a multimedia hub, providing equipment and workspace to students, alumni, architectural firms, and media companies.
This experience helped me develop skills in co-design, an emerging area of design where I worked with local residents to create spaces, services, design stores and displays, and develop new products. I founded my second company, KIONDO, as I wanted to build community and help people shape the spaces they love and live in. KIONDO is a design company and incubator based in Walsall. I wanted to transform Walsall into an area for its residents to be proud of and create spaces in the area where residents see themselves in.
There are no creative spaces in Walsall, so I opened a space in the town centre for creatives and entrepreneurs to build their businesses. We help individuals develop their design ideas to create meaningful spaces in the area. I’m also involved in community-led initiatives, such as getting young people into sport and encouraging more people to get out into their local area. It means a lot to be able to use my skills to give back to my community and provide a creative, meaningful space for all.
BCU’s innovative and open-minded environment pushed me to be a forward-thinking entrepreneur. BCU is full of passionate individuals who are not afraid to challenge conventions, push boundaries and most importantly, create something meaningful.”
