Inclusion and workplace guidance
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive organisation, RIBA are working to ensure that the architecture sector and the wider construction industry is representative of the communities and societies we serve.
Explore our inclusion and workplace guidance and resources below.
Inclusive Design Overlay
Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work
RIBA with generous support of Pareisse Wilson (Project Lead), Motionspot, Heathrow and Jane Simpson Access, have developed an Inclusive Design Overlay to provide guidance on implementing inclusive design through each RIBA Plan of Work stage to enable informed decision making at the right time and order, to enable practical guidance on the best ways to embrace and excel within inclusion.
Professional feature: Why architects should augment inclusive design throughout all work stages
What have architects and clients learnt from the Inclusive Design Overlay?
In this professional feature, we Look at the impact of the landmark document as it celebrates its first anniversary.
General resources and guidance
What does the new law surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace mean for architecture practices?
Learn more about what employers can do to ensure compliance with the new duty, and how employees can respond to incidents of sexual harassment.
How introverted architects can become effective business leaders
This professional feature discusses how the quiet power of introverted architects can help with career progression.
Mental health awareness with the Architects Benevolent Society
In this blog, the Architects Benevolent Society highlights their programme of activity to support the architectural community for Mental Health Awareness Week.
What are the key benefits of architects becoming Mental Health First Aiders?
Practices are encouraged to add Mental Health First Aid to their overall wellbeing strategy.
Reports
How can architecture practices make positive changes to workplace conditions? (Article exclusive to RIBA Members)
Learn more about a RIBA workplace conditions survey and how one practice took action to improve its culture.
Inclusion and transparency report, April 2022 to March 2023
In our second annual inclusion transparency report, we reflect on our EDI progress to date, our evolving strategy, and our goals for the future.
RIBA responds to National Disability Strategy, July 2021
Our response to the National Disability Strategy, which sets out actions the Government will take to improve the everyday lives of all disabled people.
“Accessibility requirements must become standard for new homes” – RIBA urges government to update the Building Regulations, December 2020
Our response to the government consultation on accessible housing.
Memorandum of Understanding AUD
Find out more about our joint action plan to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive sector. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is honoured to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to further develop design excellence in the UAE.
Memorandum of Understanding AUS
Find out more about our joint action plan to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive sector. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is honoured to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) to further develop design excellence in the UAE.
Disability inclusion
Neurodiversity and architecture: how practices can create supportive environments
Read about how two architects share their experiences of living with different neurodivergences, in celebration of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Recognising race, ethnicity, religion and beliefs
Ramadan: How architecture practices can support Muslim colleagues
Practice managers and work colleagues could consider measures like flexible working arrangements to help Muslim staff members celebrate Ramadan.
Gender in the workplace
Gender pay gap guidance
Read about the guidance published by the RIBA for architecture practices on closing the gender pay gap, as part of our commitment to support a diverse and inclusive profession.
How can architecture practices create supportive environments for those experiencing menopause?
The profession’s longstanding debate about how to improve retention rates for women in architecture tends to focus on the maternity return-to-work process. But it's estimated that 10% of women leave the profession due to workplace barriers related to menopause, a far less-discussed issue.
Menopause and work resource
Raising awareness on this topic and reducing the stigma attached to it is vital so that open discussions can take place and inform the development of effective guidance and resources.
How can architecture practices create supportive environments for those experiencing menopause?
Introducing wellbeing strategies and environmental considerations around menopause can help change the narrative within practice culture.
LGBTQ+ workplace resources
A hundred years of Surrealism - le cadavre exquis toolkit for practices
For LGBT+ History Month 2024, we marked the 100th anniversary of Surrealism – a powerful movement in the arts. As part of this anniversary, we've created an interactive toolkit influenced by architecture that allows participants, quite literally, to play with, dissemble and reimagine items from the RIBA Collections. Read more about the Surrealist movement and its connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ architects: how practices can make workspaces more inclusive for staff
Daniel Innes, a committee member for the grassroots charity Architecture LGBT+, suggests ways in which architecture practices can support their LGBTQ+ staff.
Talking about gender pronouns in the workplace
We explore how RIBA Members can contribute to fostering positive and open discussions about gender, as we all work towards building a more inclusive profession.
How can architects apply the principles of Pride all year round?
Making sure colleagues who are members of the LGBTQ+ community feel valued and included should be a constant.
Resources for parents and carers
Architecture and parenting: how practices can help aid the return to work
A culture change is needed to help new parents navigate the challenges of juggling workload and new responsibilities at home.
How can architects redress their work-life balance?
Could architect and RIBA author Clare Nash’s approach to redressing her own work-life balance inspire you to do the same?
