The true scale and complexity of gender inequity of the UK architectural profession are due to be investigated by a major new study.
It builds on decades of existing research, asking why, when many of the barriers to gender equity are known, more progress is not being made.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced it has commissioned a study into gender equity in architecture by the Fawcett Society, to be published in 2025.
The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading gender equality charity. It is named after Millicent Fawcett, a suffragist, and is chaired by former Secretary of State and Solicitor General, Baroness Harriet Harman PC KC.
Image: RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE
In September 2023, only 31% of architects were women, and there is significant evidence of a slow rate of progress towards gender equity, with a gender pay gap of 16%, based on data from RIBA Business Benchmarking 2023.
This new study will conduct research into the experiences of women who are either practicing architects or have left the profession, before setting out key actions for meaningful, lasting change.
The study will explore the intersections of gender with other protected characteristics. It will investigate the barriers and facilitators to progressing gender equity faced by employers, what architecture can learn from similar professions, and what needs to change.
The report will address:
- The causes of gender inequity 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 independence to deliver this report to RIBA, and its recommendations may include actions for RIBA to consider.
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 here.”
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.”
Women in Architecture UK said: “Women in Architecture UK is proud to support this important initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality in architecture. Real progress requires bold action and collaboration, and we’re excited to be part of a project that seeks not only to diagnose the challenges but also to drive meaningful and lasting change in our industry.”
