Join us in celebrating Black History Month with Simone N. Espinet, Business Development Manager in New York.

Raised in England and Trinidad and Tobago, Simone developed an early admiration for the stunning architecture surrounding her. Growing up in London, she was influenced by old-world architecture and was first inspired by Sir Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral. Plus, the Tower of London, Hampton Court, and the many other notable buildings and bridges in London. In Trinidad, she was fascinated by the gingerbread houses and the Magnificent Seven Mansions. The structures were designed in various architectural styles, including French Colonial, Scottish baronial, Indian Empire, and Moorish Mediterranean styles, often blended with Caribbean architecture.

This passion deepened when she moved to New York at age 17, where she entered design School. Later in life, she was very influenced by the late Roger Turton, a trailblazing black architect who studied in England and later lived in Trinidad and Tobago, where he designed some astonishing homes. Her favorite architect is Zaha Hadid.

Simone calls on the architecture and design community to honor Black History Month through mentorship and giving back. Her efforts include key roles in impactful events such as Henricksen's Celebrating Black History Month on February 11th, highlighting black architects and designers, and the New York Hip Hop Architecture Camp in August 2024, where high school students explored the intersection of hip hop and design. Simone believes that by sharing our knowledge, we can guide young people toward brighter futures. Mentoring and giving back to communities is her passion. 

As we move through Black History Month, let's take the time to educate ourselves, broaden our understanding, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history and culture.