Serena Cardozo

Serena is an architect with experience working for public and private sector clients across a variety of project types, with a focus on heritage-led schemes. She has worked through all design stages to complete projects including refurbishing a listed museum, a new public square and new build libraries with listed building interfaces.

She has a keen interest in retrofit and reuse and the design challenges brought about by improving the performance and materiality of the vast disused building stock available. Before joining the Spring Cohort 2023, she worked on a Future High Streets Fund-backed scheme to renew and reshape a town centre within a conservation area. A key focus of her work was the retention and refurbishment of a row of dilapidated Victorian buildings into facilities for community use, to drive growth and ensure future sustainability of the area.

Alongside her architectural work, Serena provides design support for a London-based, slow fashion label that champions the use of deadstock fabric to create ultra-small batch runs of gender-inclusive clothing. 

Uttlesford District Council

Serena supported conserving and enhancing the district’s historic environment during her placement. She advised on the impact of development proposals where there was an effect on the historic environment. Additionally, she contributed to developing the new Local Plan and Design Code. Serena managed a pilot project to decarbonise an off-grid village in a Conservation Area with several listed buildings. She liaised with statutory bodies and assisted the Enforcement team in resolving cases.