about bio

3D-Printed Earthen Architecture imbued with Indigenous Design


Generalist

My work in social and environmental impact began in 2005 when I helped develop Guinness’ Water of Life program in Sub-Saharan Africa (Regional Director – Guinness, Saatchi & Saatchi, London).

Prior to this I’d directed brand strategy and award-winning creative engagement for leading international FMCG, airline and automotive brands. I started this career as a graduate trainee at The Economist Intelligence Unit in New York & Hong Kong.

Following the completion of an architectural design degree, I returned to the UK in 2009 to lead and help build RockCorps, the pioneering and award-winning pro-social international production company. If requested, I also enjoy being a mentor.

Our team empowered over 45,000 young people across the UK to volunteer at a RockCorps produced project. Whilst making a tangible impact in their community, participants were rewarded with a ticket to RockCorps produced concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and Manchester Apollo, featuring headline artists including Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Nas and Kelis; broadcast on Channel4.

When the RockCorps program concluded, I produced some premier launch events and installations for Verve Clicquot, Boucheron and Pernod Ricard, before relocating to Rio de Janeiro. With my partner, over three years I restored a Sergio Bernades/ Roberto Burle Marx designed residence in the Tijuca Forest; also restoring significant Brazilian modernist furniture.

In 2015 I traveled throughout Kenya and India, and learned how to build with compressed earth blocks at India’s renowned Auroville Earth Institute (UNESCO Chair). In Italy at that moment, prototypes of 3D-printed earthen structures presented a scalable, net-zero and adaptable natural building alternative. This digitisation of earth was the foundation for Ochre Systems.

 
 

In 2017 I returned to the US to work with former RockCorps colleagues to help build Give To Get; a social impact strategy, design and production agency. Give To Get was a founding member of the UN2030 Sustainable Cities & Communities Committee.

While in the States I took a working/ research sabbatical (acting Marketing Director) with Pacific Domes, pioneering designers and manufacturers of geodesic structures. Returning to Sydney in 2019, I continued designing and producing programs for Give To Get, establishing Corps Projects in 2020.

Coinciding with Covid I returned to support family in Western Australia. During 2021 I commenced doctoral research (part time) working under the supervision of international leaders in sustainability at the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP); lead supervisor, Prof. Peter Newman AO.

[ PhD candidate, Architecture & Design ::::: Local Earth + Noongar First Knowledges + Technology ::: 'Digitising Earth : Scalable 3D-Printed Structures and Regenerative Systems’ [energy, water, food]

 
 
 

 
 

© Roger Erith 2025. All rights reserved.