Look Who it Was Random video

017: From Architect to CEO with Safia Qureshi

1,580 views · Published 23 July 2018 · 51:34 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: Business of Architecture · 2018 · Education

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This episode is the last of the mini series speaking with architects who have gone beyond the traditional realm of architectural practice entering into new design genres and businesses.

Today I speak with Safia Qureshi, co-founder of environmental research and design studio, Studio D Tale and founder / CEO of innovative returnable package service, Cup Club. 

Cup Club was born as a research idea within Studio D Tale to eliminate single use plastics. Realising the potential of her idea and driven by a commitment to protect our environment, Safia has made an inspiring journey from architect to CEO. She has found investment for her idea, is partnering with catering companies, facilities management companies, retailers and brands and has gone into production with the first iteration of their reusable, traceable coffee cups. 

Cup Club launched a successful pilot scheme at the RA in 2017 and also won the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Innovation Prize. 

I hope you find as much inspiration in this interview as I did, and I’d love to hear from more architects who are utilising their architectural skillsets to cross boundaries into different disciplines and industries.

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