Built by Nature Announces Networks Leadership Appointments

Tamara joins us from systems thinking agency Metabolic, where she had taken on many different roles, including Urban Systems Lead, Consultant and most recently, Consulting Director. Tamara has a comprehensive international background of advising NGOs, industry, and government on building the livable cities of the future and tackling complex sustainability challenges. Tamara has worked on over 30 projects in various global cities and regions, engaging with municipalities, developers, and other urban stakeholders. Tamara holds a Master of Science in Design and Urban Ecologies at Parsons The New School for Design in New York. With Tamara’s background in earth sciences, she is well-positioned to integrate knowledge on ecological impacts with creative solutions that deploy innovative technologies and are sensitive to social issues.

Reflecting on her appointment, Tamara said:

“Throughout my work experience, projects and education, my focus has been on driving transformative impact in sectors that are fundamental to our ability to live in urban centers in a world that is increasingly under pressure. Built By Nature’s vision for the built environment to work in unison with nature aligns perfectly with my personal and professional values and motivations. I’m very excited about the opportunity to help drive systemic action to accelerate the use of biobased material in the built environment. And, to do so by fostering collaboration between cross-sectoral stakeholders and amplifying existing solutions through our funding.” 

Joe Giddings, formally trained as an architect, is the UK Networks Lead.

His most recent experience as a leader in the sustainable construction movement includes his role as Projects & Campaigns Director, Timber Accelerator Hub, an initiative under the Association for Sustainable Building Products, and as a founding coordinator of the Architects Climate Action Network. As an architect, Joe worked at Rock Townsend, and is currently teaching an undergraduate design studio on the theme of bio-based materials at Oxford Brookes University School of Architecture. Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Oxford Brookes and a Masters degree from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts – Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation.

“My career has focused on the decarbonisation of the UK’s built environment sector, and I believe it’s possible we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change with a rapid transition towards a nature-based and circular economy,” according to Joe. “This shift can be brought about through the work of Built by Nature. I’m proud to lead efforts here in the UK toward the creation and engagement of pan-industry collaborative networks, proactive Government policy, and targeted campaigning to confront the barriers facing adoption of timber and biobased materials, while raising broader awareness of the environmental and societal benefits of these materials.”

Peter Fraanje is the Networks Lead for the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France.

As a recognised expert on circular and biobased construction, Peter has provided guidance and direction for several organisations including the Netherlands Institute for Applied Research TNO and building contractor BAM. He has also served as Director of the Netherlands Association for Construction Suppliers at NVTB, Amsterdam and as a Board Member at Construction Products Europe CPE, Brussels. Peter also was the innovation and sustainability expert for the national association of building contractors at Bouwend Nederland. Peter holds a PhD in biobased materials and has authored numerous books and reports on the benefits of timber and biobased materials including flax, hemp and straw.

Peter shares his thoughts on joining Built by Nature:

“The goal to accelerate the transformation to timber for buildings is very appealing to me, as is the international setting and the demand-side approach. As an advocate for timber and other biobased materials I will be happy to support Built by Nature’s activation and expansion of our network. I am personally fond of trees and forests and advocating for the high-quality application of timber, in order to have a positive impact on our environment. I look forward working with the Built by Nature network to make the world a greener place!”