As the Director for Program Design at Hasiru Dala, a leading social impact organisation focused on empowering waste pickers, my role is multifaceted. I am responsible for program design across various initiatives, proposal development, and representing the organisation at national and international platforms. I also manage communication with funders, other organisations, and academic institutions. One of my key responsibilities is leading the 'Hasiru Mane' project, which aims to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions through six core pillars. These pillars include improving access to public housing, reducing ecological impact, addressing climate challenges, optimising dry waste collection centres, advancing placemaking in informal settlements, and conducting action-based research.I am actively involved in advocacy work, including collaborative efforts with civil society organisations to draft the new Karnataka Slum Development Act. This act seeks to guarantee housing rights and basic facilities for the urban poor, including waste pickers.I also participate in various research projects, such as Flood risk assessment, construction and demolition waste management, textile crisis analysis, mapping the aspirations of waste pickers, and conducting socio-economic studies of waste pickers in Bengaluru. Additionally, I represent Hasiru Dala and anchor the Bengaluru lab of the international 'Roof Over Our Heads' campaign, which focuses on providing low-carbon, affordable homes for those in the informal sector. As a member of 'Ellera Bengaluru,' a city resource forum, I aim to amplify the voices of caste-oppressed people in the current context of climate change and urbanisation-related vulnerabilities and advocate for their inclusion in Bengaluru’s larger development goals. My work is aimed at improving the lives of waste pickers and marginalised communities in Bengaluru.

Akbars' work at Hasiru Dala is with Housing, which enables him to engage with the various stakeholders with diverse approaches to affect and create change for the waste picker communities.https://hasirudala.in/

While at Purpose in Bengaluru, I collaborated with seven diverse partners dedicated to empowering the informal sector and shaping climate policies tailored to their unique needs. Together, we executed strategic campaigns aimed at driving behaviour change, reshaping public narratives, and fostering a positive impact within the local ecosystem.In my role, I facilitated on-ground campaign execution, worked closely with partners, oversaw logistics, coordinated stakeholder engagements, and created essential collaterals. I actively participated in brainstorming sessions, contributing insights from the field, partner interactions, and the broader ecosystem.Furthermore, I identified opportunities to showcase Alli Serona and assisted communities in advocating for their needs. Additionally, I provided support in artwork design as required.

Akbar intern in Mistry Architects in the year of 2012 to 2014 with the responsibilities of developing different 2D and 3D design software skills and model making skills. He was a member of a design team comprised of three members where he was involved in large scale projects by executing working drawings. After graduating from Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Akbar joined back Mistry’s as a Junior Spatial Designer as he is passionate about sustainable architecture and practices. Now he works with two associates in two design teams where he is involved in design process and handles various projects.http://www.mistrys.com/

placeARTS Collective puts the methods of art, design, and technology in the hands of youth to empower them with the tools to affect and create change in their communities. Akbar plays a leadership role in the group as designer and project manager on collaborative design projects that address various needs in targeted communities. He has led teams in the design and execution of murals for city based waste management organisations, eco homestays, and community based playground design. http://www.placearts.org

Srishti Collective is an annual curated exhibition of graduating student’s work hosted by Srishti Institute of Art, Design Technology. Akbar participated in the spatial design of the exhibition and execution of the entire installation.https://srishtimanipalinstitute.in/

desingEARTH is an ecological design/build team based in Bangalore. As a Design Intern, Akbar learned various contemporary natural building techniques such as Bamboo, Adobe, Cob, Stone, CSEB BRICKS, Oxide, Earth Mural and Brick Ovens. He was also intimately involved in the Design Process using his Software skills like AutoCAD and Sketch-up. http://www.designearth.in/