Diversity & Inclusion in Architecture: More Than Just a Buzzword

By Suma – SEO Content Strategist | Design Enthusiast | People-First Storyteller

Hey you 👋
Suma here! I’ve been working in the world of SEO and content marketing for architecture for over 2 years now, and trust me when I say: this industry is as much about people as it is about buildings. 🧱👫

Today, let’s talk about something super important and close to my heart — diversity and inclusion in architecture.

Why?
Because behind every iconic skyline and humble home are teams of architects and designers — and their lived experiences matter. Who designs our spaces shapes how we live, and if those voices aren’t diverse, neither are our spaces.

Let’s dig in ❤️

🎯 What Does “Diversity and Inclusion” Mean in Architecture?

Diversity = Representation across gender, race, ethnicity, class, disability, sexuality, etc.
Inclusion = Ensuring those diverse individuals feel valued, safe, and heard in the design process and workplace.

In short: It’s not just about who’s in the room — it’s about who gets to speak, lead, and be taken seriously.

🧠 Quick History Check: Architecture Hasn’t Always Been Inclusive…

Let’s be real. For a long time, architecture was a boys’ club — mostly white, male, elite. Women like Zaha Hadid or Anupama Kundoo had to fight not just for their designs, but for basic recognition. 💪🏽

Even today:

• Women are underrepresented in leadership roles at architecture firms.
  
  

• People from lower socio-economic backgrounds struggle to access architecture education due to high costs.
  
  

• Queer and disabled architects often face workplace microaggressions or lack of accessibility tools.
  
  

👉 According to Wikipedia, women make up less than 20% of registered architects globally in some regions.
👉 In India, even with increased B.Arch enrollments, firm leadership is still male-dominated.

So clearly, we’ve got work to do.

📊 Why Diversity Matters in Architecture

Let’s not treat this like a PR checkbox. Here’s why it actually matters:

✅ Better Design for More People

When diverse minds collaborate, we create inclusive cities — spaces that serve all ages, genders, cultures, and abilities.

Ever wondered why some public restrooms are still unfriendly to trans people? Or why wheelchair ramps are an afterthought?
It’s because people affected by those issues weren’t in the design conversation.

✅ Innovation & Creativity

Different cultural backgrounds = different design vocabularies. That’s gold in architecture 🌍✨

Imagine combining traditional Indian vernacular with contemporary Scandinavian minimalism — you get something totally fresh. And that kind of innovation starts with diverse teams.

✅ Stronger Team Culture

Inclusive workplaces lead to better employee well-being, loyalty, and collaboration. And yes, that leads to better business outcomes.

🌐 Global Movements Making a Difference

There are some really cool initiatives happening:

• NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects – USA): Fights for racial equity in design firms.
  
  

• Architecture Foundation (UK): Runs mentorship programs for underrepresented students.
  
  

• She Builds Podcast: Celebrates women and non-binary people shaping the built world.
  
  

• The Indian Architecture regularly features emerging voices from across the country.
  
  

And globally, firms are slowly waking up to their blind spots and starting D&I audits. Progress may be slow, but it’s steady 💡

🌸 My Perspective as a Woman in the AEC Content Space

While I’m not a practicing architect, I am often the only woman in a client’s SEO team or the only Indian voice in an editorial board for a global publication.

I’ve seen how unconscious bias shows up:

• Assuming the “creative director” is male
  
  

• Not crediting junior designers for winning ideas
  
  

• Or using only Eurocentric references in design briefs
  
  

It’s not always malicious — but it is exclusionary.

And it’s exactly why we need more diverse voices not just designing buildings, but writing about them, documenting them, archiving them. (Hint hint — that's what I try to do 😉)

🧱 Architecture That Reflects Inclusion

Here are some beautiful examples of inclusive architecture:

🕌 The Sancaklar Mosque (Turkey)

Designed by Emre Arolat, it rethinks traditional mosque forms and makes accessibility central to the design.

🏫 Delhi’s School for the Blind

Built to suit tactile learning, this school incorporates spatial orientation and sensory cues beautifully.

🏡 Anupama Kundoo’s Wall House

Built using low-cost, eco-friendly, and local materials, it reflects both gendered perspectives and economic inclusion.

These projects remind us: Inclusion isn’t abstract — it’s physical, visible, lived.

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of Embracing D&I in Architecture

✅ Equitable workplaces drive richer, more inclusive design outcomes.
✅ Boosts staff retention, creativity, and firm reputation.
❌ Cultural and leadership change takes time and consistent effort.
❌ Risk of tokenism if not implemented sincerely and deeply.

💬 What Can You (and I) Do to Help?

We don’t need to be principals or Pritzker winners to make a difference. Here’s what we can do:

🎓 If You’re a Student:

• Push for curriculum that includes diverse architects, not just Le Corbusier and Wright
  
  

• Form peer-support groups for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women students
  
  

🧑‍💻 If You’re in a Firm:

• Advocate for diverse hiring
  
  

• Use inclusive design language in presentations
  
  

• Speak up if you see bias (even subtle)
  
  

📲 If You’re in Media (like me):

• Highlight underrepresented voices
  
  

• Avoid stereotypical imagery in architecture articles
  
  

• Offer mentorship in writing, branding, or publishing
  
  

Even just sharing diverse projects on Instagram can widen someone’s worldview 📸

🔗 Links to Explore & Support

• Wikipedia – Women in Architecture
  
  

• Write for Us Architecture – Submit articles on D&I in your design experience!
  
  

• The Indian Architecture – Features inclusive urbanism & rising talent
  
  

• ArchDaily on Equity – Global database of inclusive design projects
  
  

💛 Final Words from Suma

Architecture is about shaping lives. So it only makes sense that the people shaping it reflect the diversity of life itself.

We’re not just fighting for seats at the table — we’re redesigning the whole table 🛋️

And as someone who writes the stories that live beyond the buildings, I believe in making every word — and every space — a little more inclusive.

Let’s listen more. Hire better. Design consciously.
Because when we build together, we thrive together 🏙️🌱

With love and perspective,
Suma
Your content strategist with a heart for people and places 💬✨