How we inspire inclusivity across our practice

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Integrated seamlessly through our projects, external activities and partnerships, as well as shaping our identity as an employer.

Delve into the article below to discover more about the inclusive activities and practices that we are doing to help to shape future generations.

Empowering students through the RIBA AHR Scholarship

As passionate supporters of equal rights to education and as part of our commitment to support inclusivity in the profession, we have been running the RIBA AHR Scholarship programme since 2008.

The aim of the scholarship is to address a perceived lack of inclusivity at the Part II stage of the professional qualification in Architecture. It achieves this by supporting talented students who have demonstrated a commitment to their studies and to the profession, who might struggle to cover the costs associated with their course.

Reem is our 2022 RIBA AHR scholar, who we caught up with during her work placement. She shares a deeper insight into the benefit of her work experience in the London office as part of our team.

Learn more about how we are promoting inclusivity through the scholarship

We’re also looking forward to working with and sharing more updates from our 2023 recipient of the scholarship Nuala, who says,

“I am incredibly thankful to RIBA and AHR for selecting me as the recipient of this year’s award. The scholarship will be invaluable over the next two years for my personal and professional development.”

Supporting colleagues through various employment routes

We embrace a culture that values knowledge sharing, consistently supporting our colleagues with life-long learning, progression and collaboration. The apprenticeships we offer at the practice inspire inclusivity.

Eva Kilpatrick and Elisha Bergin are Level 7 architectural apprentices working at our Manchester office. They share the invaluable experiences gained during their year at the practice, the benefits that come from this experience, as well as their hopes and aspirations for the remainder of their journeys.

Follow their journey with us here

Inspiring future generations with insight and experiences

Collaborating with young people who will benefit from our designs helps to strengthen our community ties, foster an inclusive approach to our work and enhance its social value.

We regularly visit schools, colleges and universities to provide an insight into our practice and the work we are doing to shape the people and communities around us.

Colleagues Rebecca Smith and Sara Burgess took a trip to Westfield School in Sheffield to deliver an engaging workshop to year 10 students from the surrounding Rother Valley community.

During the visit, we provided insights into our Rother Valley Country Park project, which encompasses a welcoming, thoughtful and community-driven hub that embraces the natural surroundings of the area.

Find out more about how the students found the session

We are proud partners of Speakers for Schools, a charity who support young people by helping them secure work experience placements and inspiring talks to fuel their ambitions.

Our colleagues across our offices and services, regularly attend school careers’ fairs, connecting with students across a variety of ages who are exploring a potential future in architecture and building consultancy.

The inclusive events which are often open to students, parents and people in the local community, create an engaging environment where they can learn more about the industry and ask questions.

Associate director Hira Teirney recently participated in the University of the West of England (UWE)‘s Green Fortnight event, delivering insights to students on our latest refurbishment project at the university.

During the online event, Hira spoke alongside an MEP specialist from CPW on how we are supporting the university to achieve its 2030 Net Zero Carbon target. Emphasising the need for early exposure to sustainability principles, we proudly advocate for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to decarbonisation within university environments.

Discover how we’re helping the university achieve its sustainability goals

Take a moment to delve deeper into the ways we nurture inclusivity and how this helps us to shape a more positive future for our people and communities here.