In September 2017, RIBA President Ben Derbyshire launched the Future Architects Pledge. The RIBA Future Architects Pledge was created with the aim of making architecture more accessible and to diversity and rejuvenate the profession by offering opportunities and support to the next generation of architects.
FaulknerBrowns were one of the first practices to get involved in the Future Architects Pledge. Find out why they chose to get involved and how it has benefited their practice.
Q: Why did you choose to get involved in the Future Architects Pledge?
A: FaulknerBrowns have a long history of supporting the RIBA, local and national schools of architecture and our local community. It is part of our culture and is inherent in the ethos of the practice that we wish to be able to ‘give something back’. In addition, we believe that we can make a positive contribution to the development of degree courses, in providing opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice, in helping young people to understand the various career paths which are available to them, and in opening up our office to enable the wider community to experience the world of work.
When we first heard Ben Derbyshire was launching the RIBA’s Future Architects Pledge, it felt a natural extension of the work in which we are already involved in and targeted specifically at assisting young people into a career in architecture. Our work also includes assisting school pupils through attendance at careers fairs, offering work experience placements and conducting mock interview sessions with sixth formers, through to the tutoring, mentoring and examining of students within our local schools of architecture. Ben’s initiative offers the potential of financial assistance directly to students to enable them to complete their degree course with confidence and without the worry which a lack of financial support can create.
Q: What activities/initiatives have you done in order to help fulfill your pledge?
A: When we decided to accept the Pledge, we were aware that not all of our staff are actually members of the RIBA. But when it came to seeking assistance from staff to participate in the fundraising events, everyone rallied around and there was a genuine spirit of willingness to help fulfill our Pledge. We formed a small group to determine the type of activities in which we could engage in order to raise the £1,000, but it soon became apparent that our tried-and-tested events were going to raise most interest and money:
- A 'Pointless' quiz, which was so much fun as so many staff hadn't ever watched the programme and the idea that you won by having the fewest points took a little bit of getting used to.
- A cake sale in which all of the cakes were made and donated by staff. We had some amazing creations and staff not only came back for more - several times during the day in some cases, but also took cakes home for family members.
- A buffet summer lunch - again, all of the dishes were made and donated by staff, and as well as raising money, it generated a real sense of community. Staff shared lunch together in our social area, whilst others sat outside on picnic blankets. It was such a success in so many ways, that we are determined to make it a regular event.
Q: How has the Future Architects Pledge benefited your Practice?
A: One of the greatest gains has been the enjoyment which all of the staff who engaged in the events demonstrated, and the community spirit it helped to reinforce in the studio. To see all of our team sitting together and to hear the noise level of the conversations becoming louder and more animated, was a real pleasure in itself.
Q: Would you encourage others to get involved in the Future Architects Pledge?
A: There is no doubt that the participation of all of our team in social activities generated a very positive feeling within the office. To any and all companies who have considered supporting Ben’s Pledge, but have not yet taken the step to do so, the benefits are two-fold: you would not only be assisting young people aspiring to be architects to achieve their goal, but could also be generating a real sense of community and well being among your own staff, in enabling this to happen.
Find out how you can get involved in the RIBA Future Architects Pledge and download your fundraising pack today.
