Inclusion Emergency: Diversity in architecture

Architecture is at a tipping point.

Voices of the under-represented are increasing in volume and are agitating for change. If we don’t collectively listen, re-adjust and change our outlook, we risk limiting the relevance of our profession in today’s society and, ultimately, the places we create.

Capturing insight from leading voices in the profession, this book encourages understanding and reflection. It addresses critical questions, providing steps towards meaningful change.

It will help those who are under-represented to find the role models, community and tools to feel confident, supported and valued. It will also help those intimidated by change to understand why it’s so important and provoke constructive action.

The topics and experiences provide a rich foundation for building an inclusive future that truly represents the diverse population we serve.

This is a call for change. Now.

• Features contributions from Amy Francis-Smith, Ben Stephens, Charlie Edmonds, Clare Nash, Danni Jennifer Lewin Kerr, Darren Bray, Hannah Day, Dr. Igea Troaini, Indujah Srikaran, Lanre Gbolade, Martha Summers, Mary Holmes, Nadir Mahmood, Maryam Al-Irhayim, Nick Walker, Rob Hyde, Ryder Architecture, Dr. Saiyyidah Zaidi, Sarah Ackland, Dr. Stephen Parnell, Sumita Singha, Tim Bailey** and **Tobi Omowale.

Hannah Durham is an architect, educator and researcher. She was named a RIBA Journal Rising Star and her students have been nominated for national awards. She studied at Oxford Brookes University, RMIT Australia and with a scholarship attended the Architectural Association (Part 2), completing Part 3 studies at the University of Westminster.

Hannah was educated at state schools and has no built environment professionals in her family. She has found that navigating a career in the architectural profession has not been easy. As a reaction to her experiences and those whom she has met, she gives a priority to improving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in our profession and aims to support students so they feel empowered. Her research focuses on alternative (hi)stories in architecture. She has co-conducted oral history recordings with women architects, whose stories were unheard, in order to embed them in our collective history.

Grace Choi is an award-winning Architect of South Korean descent who brings a balanced perspective and two decades of diverse professional experience to the table. After flunking her A-levels, Grace was determined to study architecture against all the odds. She graduated from the Mackintosh School of Architecture being awarded the prestigious RIAS silver medal and portfolio prize for Scotland. She later worked for several renowned UK practices for 10 years, with much of her work being highly acclaimed before leaving traditional practice. Challenged by social, ethical and economical imbalance around her whilst raising a young family, Grace founded a practice in the North East. Her value led, design oriented small practice now focusses on the transformation of local communities and homes.

Alongside practice Grace acts as RIBA NE co-chair, leads the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion group and sits on the RIBAJ editorial panel. Grace has been influential in her efforts to bring issues of Inclusion and discrimination to the attention of the architectural community, primarily via the J.E.D.I. talks and Inclusion advocacy in the wider construction industry. She is a regular visiting reviewer, teacher and lecturer at various UK schools of architecture.