Giles Tettey Nartey

Blending research with a thoughtful design-as-poetry approach, often with a sharp political edge, Giles Tettey Nartey is a trained architect, artist, designer, filmmaker, researcher and educator. Named by RIBA as a ‘Black architect of tomorrow’ in 2018, Giles’ objects and films have been exhibited at numerous galleries and biennale, including Seoul Biennale and London Design Festival. Alongside pursuing his PhD at the Bartlett School of Architecture, Giles teaches at the university, and also leads a diploma unit at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. 

His research-based practice spans curation, filmmaking, installation, performance and furniture design, and is rooted in traditional west African cultures, fostering a dialogue between craft and ritual, the intangible and tangible.

We’ve followed Giles’ research with interest and admiration for many years, but it was a recent collaboration with fellow Zetteler client POoR Collective that finally spurred us into action. Our ‘we should have a coffee’ turned into a ‘gently roasted plan of action’ and we’re looking forward to exploring and sharing Giles’ distinctive understanding of culture, space and everyday ritual.

gilestetteynartey.com