Black History Month Special – In conversation with Emmanuel Alade, Lambert Smith Hampton
Emmanuel Alade.
October marks Black History Month, a time to honour the contributions of Black individuals and communities while reflecting on the past and looking toward a more inclusive future. In this spirit, we are delighted to speak with Emmanuel Alade, a Senior Associate at Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) – one of PREACH Inclusion’s corporate partners’ – whose journey to a prominent role in the UK’s built environment sector encapsulates resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to inclusivity.
This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, emphasises the importance of spotlighting untold stories, unsung heroes, and everyday individuals who have made an indelible impact on Black communities. By highlighting Black excellence in all its forms—from the arts and sciences to politics and everyday life—this theme empowers the next generation with a richer, more accurate understanding of Black history.
Emmanuel’s journey is a powerful example of how Black professionals are making a lasting impact on the UK’s built environment. So, grab a cuppa and settle in as we delve into his story and how it beautifully reflects this year’s theme.
A Path Less Taken
Emmanuel’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born before relocating to the UK at the tender age of eight. Navigating the complexities of a new culture was challenging, especially with his mother in the UK and his father remaining in Nigeria. However, Emmanuel found solace and support from friends who shared similar backgrounds, enabling him to adapt and thrive.
After completing his BSc in Architecture at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, part of the University of East London Docklands, Emmanuel took a year out to gain practical experience in Milton Keynes. He faced the reality that pursuing architecture required a significant financial investment, which led him to take various jobs in sales and customer service. In these positions, Emmanuel discovered a natural talent for engaging with people and building connections, reflecting:
"Speaking with people, making connections, and holding conversations came naturally to me." - Emmanuel
This unexpected pivot allowed him to merge his architectural interests with business development in the built environment.
Finding His Niche at Lambert Smith Hampton
Emmanuel joined Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) in 2018, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in his career. Initially part of a small team focused on project acquisition, he found himself navigating the unfamiliar language of surveying and development, despite his architectural background. He recalled those early months:
"The first six months were tough, but the support I received from the team made all the difference." - Emmanuel
What stood out to Emmanuel at LSH was the company’s culture—a supportive environment that prioritises recognition and collaboration. He appreciated the company’s commitment to acknowledging hard work, noting:
"If you do your job well, you’re recognised and rewarded. This attitude kept me motivated, even during tough times like the pandemic. It’s a place where I can be myself." - Emmanuel
Leading on Business Development and EDI Initiatives
As part of Emmanuel’s position as Senior Associate at LSH, he leads on business development. Emmanuel is responsible for sourcing opportunities and networking across different offices. He shared recent success stories, such as collaborating with Redbridge Council, but acknowledged that challenges are part of the process:
"There are great days when everything clicks, and challenging days where clients choose to go with competitors." - Emmanuel
Central to Emmanuel’s role is his commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). He leads LSH’s multicultural EDI network, focusing on raising awareness around diversity and fostering discussions on recruitment. Emmanuel highlighted the importance of these initiatives, explaining:
"Working with HR to present LSH in schools is about cultivating a diverse talent pool and providing apprentices and graduates from local areas with work experience opportunities." - Emmanuel
However, Emmanuel believes more can be done to support Black and ethnic minority professionals in the workplace, particularly in terms of personal development:
"What’s often missing is focused, granular development plans for ethnic minority employees, particularly at mid-senior levels. There’s a need for tailored professional development from associates upwards." - Emmanuel
"Increased visibility can bring diverse ideas and perspectives to the table. In construction, while we typically see standard materials like steel and concrete, we could benefit from incorporating innovative architectural concepts inspired by African structures. The problem is that there aren’t enough visible Black professionals for newcomers to emulate. This lack of representation makes it difficult for aspiring individuals to find inspiration.” - Emmanuel
Reclaiming Narratives for Black Professionals
This year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” resonated deeply with Emmanuel. He reflected on how, for too long, Black stories have been told by others, often leading to incomplete or skewed portrayals that fail to capture the true depth and complexity of their experiences.
This theme is not just about revisiting history; it’s about taking ownership of stories that define Black culture, contributions, and identity. It’s a call to action for Black communities across the UK to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of their heritage.
Emmanuel highlighted the importance of showcasing Black excellence in the built environment. He pointed out that the contributions of Black professionals often go unnoticed, apart from a few notable names like Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye.
"If you Google 'top Black architects in the UK,' only a few names come up. It’s disheartening. The achievements of many Black professionals are often overshadowed by negative narratives." - Emmanuel
He believes that increased visibility for Black professionals can inspire newcomers and stressed the impact of representation:
"Increased visibility can bring diverse ideas and perspectives to the table. In construction, while we typically see standard materials like steel and concrete, we could benefit from incorporating innovative architectural concepts inspired by African structures. The problem is that there aren’t enough visible Black professionals for newcomers to emulate. This lack of representation makes it difficult for aspiring individuals to find inspiration.” - Emmanuel
Supporting and Retaining Black Talent
Emmanuel believes that to effectively support ethnic minorities, companies should focus on implementing development plans that help employees understand the skills needed to advance. He stressed the importance of initiatives that go beyond traditional social events:
"To retain talent, it’s not just about recruitment—it’s about promotion and ensuring minorities can rise to senior positions." - Emmanuel
While he is proud that LSH has made significant strides toward inclusivity - such as collaborating with organisations like PREACH Inclusion and establishing four to five networks dedicated to EDI — he believes more can be done across the wider built environment sector to retain talent and support minorities into leadership roles.
Emmanuel with PREACH Inclusion founder, Priya Aggarwal-Shah. Emmanuel is dressed in Nigerian clothing, while Priya is dressed in Indian clothing.
As Emmanuel looks ahead, he emphasises the importance of continuing the conversation around representation and recognition and actively highlighting the achievements of Black and minority employees in the built environment sector.
Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful, noting that meaningful change can be achieved by engaging with networks that advocate for inclusion.
Celebrating his Nigerian Heritage
In a lighthearted conclusion, Emmanuel shared the joy of his Nigerian heritage, particularly the vibrant aspects of cultural expression. He reflected on what makes Nigerian culture special:
"The fun side of our culture—dancing, food, and free-spirited laughter—makes it so special." - Emmanuel
He shared the significance of communal dining in Nigeria, where many dishes are enjoyed with hands, reinforcing the connection between culture and cuisine.
When asked about his favourite African landmark, he said the Egyptian pyramids of Giza stand out as his favourite place. He appreciates its historical significance as the burial site for Egyptian royalty during the Old Kingdom, where the three monumental pyramids were constructed for the revered kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, each representing a remarkable chapter in the rich tapestry of African history.
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate Black History Month, Emmanuel’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, representation, and community. His dedication to inclusivity in the built environment inspires us to reflect on our own roles in shaping a more equitable future. Emmanuel’s story urges us to be active participants in our communities, highlighting the importance of sharing our unique narratives.