Formed in 2017, Building People provides a free-to-use ‘equity, diversity and inclusion’ hub that brings together built environment work opportunities, events and knowledge, simplifying connections between industry need and people from under-represented groups.

The new partners include the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) which bring industry expertise, wide networks and a desire to push for progressive change.

Commenting on the partnerships, Building People’s founder Rebecca Lovelace, said: “Joining forces with CIAT and CICES has bolstered both the number and clout of professional bodies we partner with.”

“Our overall goal is to be the centre for excellence when it comes to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the built environment – collaboration is key to achieving that vision, which is why we’re looking forward to working together to improve representation and to create inclusive cultures.”

Black Females in Architecture (BFA) and Deaf Architecture Front (DAF) have also joined Building People’s wider network of organisations that provide careers support to people from under-represented groups.

The ‘network of networks’ now has over sixty members, with areas of focus including Race and Ethnicity, Gender, Youth, and Disability, Neurodiversity and Wellbeing.

Chris Laing from the Deaf Architecture Front commented: “We hope that being part of Building People Network will promote deaf awareness and our work will give greater opportunities for deaf people to become visible in a greater and wider built environment.”

“Shockingly, in the UK, there are fewer than fifteen Deaf Architecture students and even fewer qualified architects. Underrepresentation is due to several barriers, including a lack of British Sign Language technology, limited work opportunities and low visibility.”

A spokesperson from Black Females in Architecture added: “BFA is constantly seeking to collaborate with like-minded organisations within our industry and this invaluable partnership with Building People allows us to do just that. We’re excited to engage with such a rich network.”

Rebecca Lovelace concluded: “We’re thrilled to welcome Black Females in Architecture and Deaf Architecture Front to Building People and to our collaborative movement for inclusive change.

“Bringing together and amplifying the voices of the under-represented forms a key part of what we do at Building People. The more that organisations such as BFA and DAF join in, the more we can drive behavioural and cultural change together.”