A report commissioned by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), titled the RIBA Build It Together report, reveals widespread sexism and toxic workplace culture in British architecture. Based on a survey of 635 industry workers conducted by the Fawcett Society, the report found that half of female respondents experienced bullying, one-third reported sexual harassment, and 83 percent said their career was hindered by having children. Many women described feeling humiliated, objectified, and traumatized, with 38 percent not reporting harassment for fear of consequences.
The report matters because it exposes systemic, long-standing gender discrimination in a major creative profession, echoing findings from a similar 2003 study. RIBA CEO Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick acknowledged the findings were unsurprising, signaling institutional failure to address the problem over two decades. The report includes a one-year action plan focusing on HR guidance, professional development after career breaks, DEI training, and annual diversity audits, with a fuller policy guide due by late 2026. This story highlights ongoing struggles for gender equity in the visual arts and design fields.