A new study, in co-operation with RIBA and the Fawcett Society, is to investigate gender bias in architecture
The research will build upon existing research into gender bias in architecture from the past few decades, and will investigate why more progress has not been made.
RIBA has commissioned the Fawcett Society to conduct the research, and the report will be published in 2025.
There is still a large gender bias in the architecture industry
According to a report, RIBA Business Benchmarking 2023, just 31% of architects were women and evidence was found of a gender pay gap of 16%, as well as a slow progress rate towards equity.
The new research will look into both current and former female architects.
It will seek to address:
The causes of gender bias in architecture
The case for change – making it clear why we need a more equitable profession
What works – best practice from the UK, the global profession, and other sectors
What action is needed – next steps for professional bodies, employers, education providers, and the government, to change the profession for good – and how to overcome barriers to implementation
The Fawcett Society will act with full editorial freedom
RIBA chief executive, Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE, said: “You don’t have to tell most architects that the profession has a problem with gender equity – they already know, not least because many feel the impact of this bias every single day.
“Following decades of research, the pace of change remains far too slow compared to other professions, and significant action is still needed. Understanding the barriers to making more rapid progress is critical.
“I am therefore delighted to announce our partnership with the Fawcett Society, who will use their vast experience and expertise to conduct vital research into gender equity in architecture, creating an editorially independent report. This study is part of our ongoing work to create a more diverse and inclusive profession that is representative of the society it serves.
“We will be in touch with members about how to get involved, but for now, you can sign up to receive updates at fawcettsociety.org.uk/signup.”
The Fawcett Society chief executive, Jemima Olchawski, said: “With less than a third of architects being women, and despite multiple studies that have sought to understand the problem, now is the time for action. We are delighted that RIBA has recognised our expertise in this area and asked Fawcett to lead this study.
“Our research will shine a spotlight on tangible evidence-based actions that the profession urgently needs to take to reach gender equity, as well as deliver a realistic roadmap of how it can get there. We look forward to speaking to women in the profession to hear their priorities for change.”
Chief executive and registrar of the Architects Registration Board (ARB), Hugh Simpson, said: “RIBA is launching an important research project that will help to shape the future of the profession. We know that change is happening slowly: in 2023, 47% of new registrants joining the architects’ profession were female.
“But we often hear from architects that there are structural barriers that thwart women’s progress to leadership roles. It’s important to understand the nature of those barriers and how we can all – the regulator, the membership institute and the profession itself – work together to eliminate them in the public interest.”
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