We’re back with one of our Trustees for our latest interview of the month. We have been speaking with Emma Keyse, Business Development Manager, Overbury

Who are you and what do you do?

I work for Overbury, the UK’s leading fit out and refurbishment contractor. I manage relationships with our University, Science, Arts, and Public Sector clients in London.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Becoming a trustee for the University Design Forum of course!

What is your favourite thing about your career?

I love getting to know our clients and understanding how different organisations work. Being part of the process of building new environments provides you an insight into how people in different sectors spend their day, and not everyone gets the chance to see that – it’s a privilege.

Describe University Design Forum in a sentence?

A welcoming and open-minded group of university design experts and enthusiasts, who are keen to share their knowledge to drive progress in the sector.

What is your contribution to University Design Forum?

I’ve been a Trustee since 2017, and I’m co-chair of the Comms Team. We have now launched our new brand, and this year we’ll be focusing on raising our profile and developing the website to provide a key resource for our members.

What does a good HE building mean to you – quote?

A good HE building is low carbon and flexible. It inspires the people who occupy it, and the community that surrounds it.

One thing about you that will surprise people?

I was once on a reality TV show.

What is your favourite piece of Design?

The foil piercing spike on a tube of tomato puree – bliss!

What makes you laugh the most?

My two lovely boys.

Working from home or office?

Office! We’re social creatures and I think we do our best work when we collaborate.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

I’d like a day on a yacht in the Caribbean please – can you make that happen?

Sorry Emma, that’s not possible, but it was great talking to you! We hope to chat with another of our Trustees soon …..