At RIBA, we serve our members and society to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Inclusion is at the heart of this, we're working to ensure that the architecture sector and the wider construction industry are representative of the communities and societies we serve.
We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive profession which in turn, leads to more diverse and inclusive spaces. To develop this further, in 2020 we committed to embedding inclusive design in all projects, contributing to the development of inclusive environments.
To mark two years since its launch in June 2023, RIBA is gathering case studies from built-environment professionals who have used the Inclusive Design Overlay on architectural or design-and-build projects.
RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay overview
In 2023, RIBA published the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, a valuable industry framework created to support better long term inclusion and access outcomes for everyone involved in the procurement, design, management, maintenance and use of the built environment. This guidance was developed with the generous support of Pareisse Wilson (Project Lead), Motionspot, Jenny McLaughlin (Heathrow), and Jane Simpson Access, with input from hundreds of built-environment professionals and practitioners.
Our Inclusive Design Overlay (IDO) is a strategic tool that guides architects, clients, project managers, contractors, and stakeholders toward creating inclusive, equitable, and accessible environments with the support of inclusive design professionals by implementing best-practice inclusive design decisions, actions, and standards throughout each project stage.
Since its publication, the overlay has been referenced and applied across multiple design and construction sector industry guidance and projects. It is consistently one of the most accessed of RIBA’s overlays and has been downloaded over 8,000 times since its publication. These figures are a testament to the IDO’s shared importance, value and need in the industry.
Case studies
The purpose of attaining case studies is to:
- provide insights to built environment professionals seeking to use the overlay on projects
- enhance learning from each other, providing live examples and increasing the use on projects
- demonstrating successful implementation and the benefits of its use
- develop a research and case study data pool to further understand the need for guidance on EDI in architecture and its scope of influence
How to submit your case study
To do this, RIBA is inviting you to participate in this case study collection by either:
1. Case study data insights via Microsoft Forms
Providing case study evidence of successful application of the overlay on a project. The case study must highlight how each of the Project Roles (Client, Project Management, Design Team, Construction/Contractors Team and Asset Management) delivered the recommended inclusive design activities outlined in the overlay.
Complete the Microsoft Form online.
2. Case study online interviews
Attend an online 30-minute recorded call with Emily Jeffers, RIBA Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, to share successful experiences using the Inclusive Design Overlay on projects. Questions will be the same as the Microsoft Form and will be sent out ahead of the interview.
Please contact inclusionanddiversity@riba.org to express interest in taking part in an interview.
What will happen with my case study?
Case studies will be displayed on the IDO section of our website, forming a bank of additional resources for all built-environment professionals to refer to.
To mark two years since its launch, RIBA is hosting an Inclusive Design Industry Conference in the summer of 2025. With your permission and in your own words, your case studies will be presented at this event to raise awareness and promote industry adoption of the RIBA IDO.
Case studies must be submitted by 11.45pm on 30 May 2025. If you have any questions or require this information in another format, please contact: inclusionanddiversity@riba.org.
