The Founder Members

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The founder members will guide the implementation of the project

Paul Halliday

• Paul studied Photojournalism, Fine Art, Film, Social Anthropology, Art History and Archaeology at LCC (UAL), CSM (UAL), Goldsmiths, Oxford and Cambridge. After working as a documentary film director for Channel 4, he convened the international MA Photography & Urban Cultures at Goldsmiths. He also co-founded Urban Encounters and UPA (The Urban Photographers Association) and was Media Advisor for the British Refugee Council.

Dr Francesco Mazzarella

• Reader in Design for Social Change, at London College of Fashion (LCF), much of Francesco’s work at the Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) uses design activism to renew self-confidence and pride in marginalised communities. He has worked in the UK, Italy, Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam and Australia and is a member of the Design Council Expert Network, Fellow of Advance HE, Co-founder of the DESIS Cluster on 'Design from the Margins' and of the Cumulus Working Group on 'Design Education for Social Change'.

Les Moore

• Former Chair of the Permaculture Association (UK) and a specialist in urban regeneration, Les has over 20 years experience in setting up community currencies, such as LETSystems and registration services using open money protocols across Europe. He applies principles of Sociocracy (applied dynamic governance) to facilitate, chair and manage a portfolio of community projects.

Professor Dilys Williams

• After working as a fashion designer, Dilys founded and, between 2008 and 2026, was Director of Centre for Sustainable Fashion, a Research Centre at University of the Arts London. Her team and global network are grounded in partnership protocols. She has pioneered several world firsts, including establishing the first MA course in Fashion and the Environment. Dilys has led participatory curriculum programmes reaching over 100,000 learners and co-created wide-reaching projects with researchers, educators and citizens.

Professor John Wood

• An artist, inventor and performer, John was Deputy Head of Fine Art at Goldsmiths University of London throughout the ‘YBA’ decade. In 1988 he founded Goldsmith's current Design Department with the first BA(Hons) Design degree to have ethical and environmental issues as core elements. He led the first MA in Design Futures, co-founded the Journal of Writing in Creative Practice and conducted ESPRC/AHRC-funded research into 'synergy' and 'metadesign'.

Steering Committee

External Advisors

External Facilitators & Tutors

Francesco Dr Francesco Mazzarella is Reader in Design for Social Change at London College of Fashion, UAL. He applies his skills as a design researcher to encourage individuals from marginalised communities to co-create positive social change. He is exploring how design activism can create counter-narratives towards sustainability, in and through fashion. Francesco is a member of the Design Council Expert Network, Fellow of Advance HE, Co-founder of the DESIS Cluster 'Design from the Margins', and of the Cumulus Working Group 'Design Education for Social Change'. 

Daniel Ptacek is a seasoned professional with extensive experience across various sectors, primarily focused on product development, project management, and bid management. He has a solid track record of driving growth and innovation in the construction and health sectors, making him a versatile asset to any organization he partners with.
During his tenure as a Product Development Specialist at Carbon8 Systems, he played a pivotal role in developing innovative products aimed at enhancing performance and sustainability within the construction industry. This position allowed him to leverage his strong analytical skills and passion for environmental solutions, contributing significantly to Carbon8's initiatives.
Daniel's experience as a Gateway Manager at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia further showcases his leadership capabilities. In this role, he was instrumental in managing cross-functional teams and ensuring that health initiatives aligned smoothly with the Ministry’s goals. His ability to foster collaboration between key stakeholders resulted in efficient program implementation and a positive impact on public health outcomes.
As a Senior Bid Manager at Yuanda Europe Ltd., Daniel excelled in overseeing bid processes and strategizing proposals for high-stakes projects. His keen attention to detail and strong negotiation skills allowed him to secure major contracts that propelled the company’s growth trajectory and reputation within the industry. This experience sharpened his ability to manage complex projects under tight timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
In the role of Interim Commercial Lead at Novacem Ltd, Daniel took the helm in overseeing commercial strategies and operations, further refining his expertise in business development and stakeholder engagement. His leadership ensured that Novacem stayed ahead of market trends and delivered value to clients, emphasizing his adaptability and strategic insight in a rapidly changing industry.
His tenure as Managing Director and Partner at Cobiax provided him with invaluable insights into business management. He was responsible for steering the company towards achieving its strategic objectives, where his entrepreneurial spirit and vision greatly contributed to the firm’s success in the construction industry.
Daniel's background includes significant contributions to Amey during his time in program management, where he managed large-scale projects that required meticulous planning, resource allocation, and team coordination. His ability to juggle multiple projects and deliver results consistently led to enhanced operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction.
Education and Achievements

Daniel’s educational foundation is anchored in his Bachelor of Arts in English, obtained from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. This academic background has equipped him with excellent communication and analytical skills, which are paramount in his diverse roles across various industries.
He also pursued advanced studies in Construction Management at the Chartered Institute of Building, where he deepened his knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices. This degree not only complements his professional experience but also underpins his commitment to continuous learning and development in the construction sector.
Achievements

Daniel's career is marked by a number of notable achievements that underscore his expertise and leadership in the industry. He has successfully managed multimillion-dollar bids and projects, leading teams that have consistently exceeded performance expectations. His innovative approaches to product development and management have garnered recognition, and he is regarded as a thought leader among peers in the construction and health sectors.
In his various roles, Daniel has also prioritized sustainable practices, promoting eco-friendly solutions that align with his vision of fostering responsible growth within the construction industry. His contributions have significantly influenced both organizational growth and community well-being, making him a respected figure in his field.
Daniel is a specialist in strategy, guiding and assuring innovation, IP, new product development and corporate governance including P&L responsibility. He has been a business leader and innovator across many sectors, delivering contracts on large capital projects including the Millennium Dome, London; the Dynamic Earth Project, Edinburgh; Glaxo’s Laboratories at Stevenage; and the world’s largest healthcare transformation in KSA. Daniel has a record of delivering contracts on time, safely and on the money.

In 2000 he moved into decarbonization, mostly in the built environment, at a time when global warming was barely acknowledged. From negative CO2 cement to direct flue gas carbon capture, it became clear that moving away from fossil fuels in these hard-to-abate industries is an arduous journey. The most successful outcomes in carbon capture, carbon abatement and weaning ourselves off of fossil fuels are ones that mimic nature. When the opportunity arose to start Aqua Botanika he did not hesitate; here at last was a product that is natural and therefore the ecological and regenerative benefits of its usage are immediate and plentiful. He is delighted that what he was taught as a young man in Maine, USA about how to gather and use seaweed, that this knowledge is finally proving of value.

1. Deptford Community Choir

quality of work
Originality. Range of advisors and participants. Their track record of pioneering and radical initiatives. The comprehensiveness and coherence of our ideas. project that is designed to
impact – individual, community or stakeholders
funding to provide an opportunity that wouldn’t otherwise happen