Saira Hussain is an architectural designer, entrepreneur, and industry leader who has redrawn the blueprint for success in architecture. At just 21 years old, in the midst of the 2011 recession, she founded her first practice, proving that talent, resilience, and vision can break through even the toughest barriers. In a field where women—especially women of colour—remain underrepresented, Saira has built one of the most progressive and inclusive architectural firms in the UK, leading with purpose, innovation, and an unshakable belief that the industry can—and must—change.
Born and raised in Burnley, Saira’s journey began with small, single-storey extensions and local projects. Her first office was a modest space above a mortgage broker in a challenging part of town, but through sheer dedication, she expanded her work to include major projects across Manchester and beyond—from Hackney Wick during the Olympics to the historic Manchester Royal Exchange building. What started as a solo endeavour has grown into HAD & Co, operating across Burnley, Blackburn, London, and Manchester. She has built a team that is two-thirds female—a direct challenge to an industry that has long excluded women from leadership.
Saira’s impact goes far beyond design. She has made it her mission to open doors in architecture that should never have been closed in the first place. She challenges the industry’s status quo by mentoring young women, prioritising sustainability, and ensuring that architecture is not just about structures but about people. Her firm champions environmentally responsible design, focusing on renovation over new builds to reduce the environmental toll of construction. She has taken her expertise to the world stage.
Her contributions have earned her national recognition, including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Precious Awards—an honour celebrating women of colour who are redefining business and leadership. She has also been invited to the House of Lords as an engineering ambassador, cementing her role as a trailblazer in both architecture and gender equality.
Manchester has always been a city of bold ideas, innovation, and people who refuse to accept limits—and Saira Hussain is the embodiment of that legacy. She has reshaped not just the buildings she designs, but the very industry she works within, proving that architecture is not just about who designs the future—it’s about who gets to be part of it.
About Frameworthy
Frameworthy is an uplifting and powerful exhibition series celebrating those making the greatest difference—changemakers—through art. Held throughout the UK and further afield in iconic arts-related and cultural venues, Frameworthy exhibitions and art shows are unique and inspiring occasions where changemakers from all backgrounds come together, mingling in front of art that honours them, alongside dignitaries, the press, and fellow changemakers.
Through powerful storytelling, breathtaking art, and unforgettable exhibitions, Frameworthy celebrates impact, community, and the beauty of cultural spaces. Each portrait is created at no cost to the changemaker, ensuring that those shaping our world are recognised in the timeless medium of art.
More than just an exhibition, Frameworthy is a joyful, diverse, and meaningful celebration—where changemakers, remarkable venues, and the communities they serve are honoured and uplifted.
Discover more about Frameworthy’s exhibitions and the people we celebrate here.
