Reflecting on Gender in Practice

Beyond Gender: Addressing the Deeper Diversity Challenge in Architecture.

The recent article in the Architects’ Journal, 'It’s high time the RIBA and ARB got tough on gender inequality', rightly highlights ongoing issues in our profession. It’s a necessary conversation, but drawing on my 21 years of experience since becoming Chartered, I believe we need to widen the lens.

About 30% of the architects I've worked with have been female.

I have consistently worked alongside well-qualified and talented women in architectural practices. Across the various firms I've been a part of, they have repeatedly demonstrated exceptional skills in:

·       Design and conceptual thinking.

·       Detailing and technical execution.

·       Great client relationship management.

In fact, across the over 100 individuals I've worked with in the last two decades, I estimate that over 30% have been women. While I've certainly observed fewer women in senior leadership roles and the more technical side of architecture remains largely male-dominated, the current intake stats—showing a near 50/50 male/female split entering the industry—suggest significant progress is being made at the pipeline level. This is a positive trend we must continue to support.

The More Pressing Issue: Ethnicity and Inclusion

The more urgent and striking issue I've faced, and one that requires the RIBA and ARB to apply far more robust pressure, is the dramatic lack of people of colour within our industry.

Very few practices that I have worked with have had many people of colour employed

In my 21 years in practice, I would conservatively estimate that less than 5% of them have been people of colour.

If you compare the entry-level stats for gender (now 50/50) versus the lack of ethnic diversity, the contrast is stark. This isn't just about fairness; it's about making sure our built environment is created by people who represent the communities they are designing for. A lack of diverse perspectives limits our creativity, relevance, and societal impact.

I challenge the RIBA and Architects Registration Board to urgently publish transparent data and implement more aggressive, targeted strategies to truly tackle the issue of ethnic diversity in architecture. We must ensure our profession is accessible to all talent.