Co-Design Group

We are a Finland-based team establishing a multi-region consortium to deliver HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-BUSINESS-03 "Approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete or underutilized spaces". Our team combines architectural / built environment and project management expertise, and academic research experience, and is well versed in steering complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in the built environment, and leveraging Finnish digitalisation skills. We have built a strong consortium of pan-European research institutions, regional pilot locations (and aligned design schools) and tech partners for the project's digital backbone. We are now looking to complete our consortium by onboarding a final research institution to lead a research work package to "provide a contextual analysis of the type (what), location (where), and reason for (why) vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces"

Our central coordination team currently consists of:

Tristan Hughes, BA (hons), BArch, SAFA

Tristan has 20 years’ experience leading complex design processes and coordinating international teams across architecture, interiors, urban planning and research. He oversees the project and pilot frameworks to ensure clear implementation and strong research and innovation outcomes.

Chris Webster, BA (hons)

Chris has 20 years’ Programme Management Office and Project Management experience on large-scale change initiatives in the Commercial Real Estate and Financial Services sectors. He oversees budget, scope, schedule, quality and risk management, will coordinate the consortium partners and manage interim reporting.

Karin Krokfors D.Sc. (Architecture), SAFA. CEO Karin Krokfors Arch.

Karin has 30 years’ experience in professional practice and academia. Her expertise lie in urban design, renovation and building design and leading design and research teams. She is the project’s lead consultant in co-design and participatory planning.