Knowledge

'I'd like architecture to lose some of its ego. We need to come down off our pedestals, get into communities and get our hands dirty.'

'My dyslexia wasn't diagnosed until the first year of my degree, so my school years were very frustrating and I've taken a roundabout way to get into the profession.'

'The other students on my course were mostly from affluent, upper middle-class backgrounds and I felt like a misfit. I'm not sure how I made it through but once I've started something, I don't like giving up.'

'I think diversity, in and of itself, generates creativity. It also strengthens the authority and credibility we bring to our projects.'

'I get stimulated by variety and having a breadth of experiences. I love trying new things and believe that you can do pretty much anything if you put your mind to it.'

'We do ourselves a commercial disservice if we don't fish from a multicultural talent pool that includes both men and women.'

'If you can design spaces that make people want to get up in the morning, then architecture can actually start to change society.'

'Judge people by their ability, not their disability and be interested in what they could bring to the profession.'

'I see architecture as a community; it affects me so I want to be a part of it and contribute. I don't agree with those who say 'I can't be bothered to get involved'. I want to have an impact.'

'Architecture is already a fairly exclusive profession and the financial realities of studying are making it even more so. We risk a future where an architectural profession will only be for those who can afford it.'