Hiral is a Senior Lecturer, Director of Engagement, at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a teacher, researcher and advisor about places of learning. A day in my life could range from having one-to-one tutorials with a student, presenting a lecture, catching up on revisions of a draft publication, and attending a building visit by UDF.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I made a shift from industry to academia, not fully knowing what I was getting into. However, I feel that moment is my proudest.

What is your favourite thing about your career?

It’s all about people. The fact that I walk into each day with opportunities to learn something new from whoever I meet or read about is my most favourite thing about my career. I get to interact with people from all generations and am grateful to be able to participate in the transformational experiences of others.

Describe University Design Forum in a sentence?

A forum that is always hungry to learn and champions good design by convening different perspectives.

What is your contribution to University Design Forum?

At the University Design Forum, my contribution is to inform strategy and practice for research activities. I am part of the Research Review Group, where we offer peer review and feedback on research projects. I am also involved in the Research Group, where we collaborate with University Design Forum members to develop and share knowledge about sectoral challenges.

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

An asset for common good where curiosity, creativity and courage are nurtured.

One thing about you that will surprise people?

I can dance!

Future of learning: green or bleak?

Colourful: we need to imagine multiple ways in which the future of learning at universities could evolve. Universities are places for more than skills development. They are places that create value for oneself, one’s community and the wider society.

What is your favourite piece of design?

Any intentional intervention that brings a smile.

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

I would want to open the university campuses to anyone to join a lecture, a tutorial, or a student society activity, for free – imagine a truly open day for all!

Thanks for this Hiral! 

Contact admin@universitydesignforum.org if you would like to be our next interviewee, we’d love to hear from you …