Speakers

Crysta Pestano is the Associate Director of Architecture at NPS with 21 years of professional experience, 18 of which have been in the UK. Her career now focuses on public sector design, with a particular passion for education projects. Crysta believes that architecture should never be elitist; schools offer a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality, thoughtful design that benefits children and has the ability to positively shape their future. She has led the design and delivery of numerous mainstream and special educational needs (SEN) projects, championing inclusive, resilient, and user-focused environments. Her approach combines creative problem-solving with deep technical knowledge and a collaborative ethos, working closely with educators, local authorities, and multidiscipline design teams to shape spaces that genuinely support learning and wellbeing.