At shedkm, we believe that the spaces we design should reflect the diversity and richness of the communities they serve. Architecture is not just about shaping buildings; it’s about shaping experiences, lives, and futures. That’s why our involvement as a participating practice in the Build The Way (BTW) traineeship is so important to us.
Launched as a nine-month architecture traineeship, Build The Way is a transformative initiative in London’s built environment landscape. Established as a trial in 2021, BTW aims to open doors for young adults from under-represented groups, providing them with a tangible and financially accessible entry into the architecture profession. This initiative addresses a long-standing issue in our industry – the lack of diversity and the barriers that prevent many talented individuals from pursuing a career in architecture.
BTW is a not-for-profit organisation lead by a small team with collaborative support led by volunteers from the participating practices: Child Graddon Lewis, GPAD, HUT, Jan Kattein Architects, Morrow + Lorraine and shedkm. In partnership with the POoR Collective and the London School of Architecture, Build The Way has created a platform that not only offers alternative routes into the industry but also aims to diversify the profession itself. As Rachael Davidson, one of BTW’s board members, says: “Inadequate representation in a profession that designs for diverse community populations, often without a similar lived experience to the people using their designs, is increasingly problematic.”
The statistics underscore the need for change. The ARB’s 2023 Equality and Diversity survey revealed that only 20% of architects come from minority ethnic backgrounds, and just one-third are female. These figures highlight the traditional barriers to entering the profession – barriers like the need to finance multiple university degrees and having industry connections, which are often out of reach for many.
While the industry has seen a rise in diversity initiatives, opportunities for young people to gain experience in architectural practice before completing higher education remain scarce. BTW is addressing this gap. Running from October to June each year, the programme offers 37 weeks of paid work experience at London Living Wage, amounting to 1,187 hours of practical, hands-on experience in a supportive studio environment. There are no experience-based barriers to entry; instead, places are offered to those with a passion for design and cities.
Trainees receive not only technical training and mentorship from industry professionals but also career advice and support from the POoR Collective. By the end of the programme, participants will have built an architectural portfolio, gained an EPQ, and made essential industry connections, all whilst being paid London Living Wage. The formal education component, delivered by the London School of Architecture, ensures that trainees also receive a recognised qualification, preparing them for further education or direct entry into the industry.
At shedkm, we are proud to be a part of this pioneering initiative. The BTW programme is more than just a traineeship; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and representative architecture profession. By opening up new pathways, we are helping to ensure that the future of architecture is as diverse as the communities we design for.
We encourage the wider industry to support Build The Way and similar programmes. The future of our cities depends on who is designing them, and it’s time for that future to include voices and perspectives from all walks of life. Together, we can build the way to a more inclusive, diverse, and dynamic profession.