Sarah Wigglesworth Architects (SWA) has set out an ongoing structure of support for young people who might face barriers to accessing a career in architecture, as part of the practice’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion vision. Sarah Wigglesworth explains”
“It is our aim to advocate for inclusivity and diversity with the architectural profession and share our cultural capital with those from under-represented groups. To do this, we have committed to a number of initiatives, some of which are part of longstanding relationships/commitments, and some are new collaborations.
“Specifically we are committed to providing an annual programme that includes: a series of CV reviews, two architectural placements, an annual mentorship and several workshops for both primary and older students/apprentices.”
CV / Portfolio Reviews and Workshops
During this year’s London Festival of Architecture (LFA) in June, SWA staff provided 30 one-on-one CV and portfolio reviews to a wide range of aspiring and qualified architects from a range of backgrounds. SWA specifically reaches out to organisations with direct links to under-represented groups (Paradigm Network, Built By Us and Black Females in Architecture) to populate the programme. This year’s LFA was the third year SWA provided this free-of-charge service, with each year gaining more and more attendees and great results:
“Many thanks again for the opportunity – I was lucky enough to receive two job offers after actioning points discussed in my review, so I am extremely grateful!” Connie Pidsley
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank SWA, and Rachel in particular, for taking the time to review my portfolio and CV. I have since managed to secure a position at one of the firms I was particularly interest in working with.” Rachel Marshall
Following a successful debut workshop in collaboration with Built By Us this April, SWA will expand this collaboration and put in place a schedule of future sessions about creating engaging CVs and Portfolios that reflect an individual’s values and skills. The events are free for students/apprentices and the unemployed.
Work Placements and Mentorship
Coming up in July and August 2022, SWA is facilitating a four-week placement as part of the Access to Architecture Programme. Led by Kingston School of Art, the programme provides second-year architecture students who may not typically have access to practice with an immersive, paid, month-long placement to enhance their learning and provide valuable office-based experience. Students get an overview of practice life, including a broad range of project work, site visits, lectures, research projects and office socials. This summer will be the fourth year running SWA has participated in the scheme.
This October, SWA will be working with Arts Emergency to offer a work experience placement to one of their young members. The week-long placement provides A-level/university students with an office-based experience, closely supported by the SWA team. SWA is also part of Arts Emergency’s annual mentoring programme. Mentees are paired with an SWA staff member for 12 months to help them build confidence and offer career support.
A well-established, stand-alone work experience programme has been operating at SWA annually, which sees the student develop their own project in the SWA office in response to a brief set by staff.
“Before my work experience, I was unsure if architecture would be suited to my abilities. However, one week within the industry at SWA gave me the clarity I needed to prove that I would be capable of studying architecture at university. From start to finish, I was constantly learning how to approach new concepts and how to take my ideas to the next level. The design reviews were amazing as the architects gave me advice and shared their opinions. The confidence, passion and belief that I discovered within myself is the main thing that I took away from the week.” Heather
Creativity Workshops and Open Studios
SWA is currently preparing to participate in Open City’s Architecture in Schools Programme 2022 set for this summer and beyond. The creative learning programme is for Key Stage Two primary school pupils in London and aims to increase diversity and access to architecture. With the support of SWA and other architectural practices involved, pupils will go on building visits and consider how to respond to a design brief. The programme also offers teacher training on how architecture can be used innovatively to teach a variety of subjects including Art, Design, Numeracy, Literacy, Geography and Science.
This May, as part of the Grimshaw Foundation Education Programme, SWA hosted three workshops led by Urban Learners for 65 13-year-olds from three local high schools to develop their design, creativity, and sustainability knowledge. The workshops were located at SWA’s offices in Stock Orchard Street, giving pupils exposure to an exemplar sustainable building, as well as access to a working architectural office. Activities included measuring, mapping, texture rubbing and sketching, as well as a tour and presentation given by SWA staff.