Simone de Gale, of London-based Simone de Gale Architects, said appreciating different skills and backgrounds was vital to company success as she took part in a Vistry BHM talk.

Simone, who works on high-end residential, commercial and multi-unit developments in London and internationally – including Croatia and Georgia – said since forming the award-winning business in 2009, she had seen a consistent improvement to diversity in the industry. She added the best way to improve this further was to continue to mark Black History Month and keep the conversation going all year round.

“It has taken research and testing, and for me to work with different clientele to streamline our services and get my company to where we are today,” Simone, whose Grandad worked as an architect in the Caribbean, said. 

“When I first started the business, I had just finished university and it was often difficult to convince clients to invest in our services, due to my limited experience in the industry. If you add a layer of diversity to that as well, it makes it harder. Everyone is trying to go for the same contracts and it might be a situation where people can use privileges to their advantage. That’s really what the challenge in architecture and other industries is, being able to allow anyone to be a good architect and do a good job regardless of background. My dad and uncles are involved in construction and I grew up on construction sites. I loved that experience and it was very natural for me – this upbringing has helped so much in my career as an architect and to excel in my skillset.

“As we are all thinking in a more diverse way across industry, we are seeing better quality work and appreciating different skills and ideas. Architecture is a subjective and creative sector to be involved in. Diversity and inclusion is what’s needed for success and we’ve seen great strides be taken to the benefit of many architects and designers.”

Simone, stressed the importance of having good mentors around to learn and grow. One of her greatest inspirations is iconic British architect Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners. She is also a board advisory member of Blueprint For All (formerly the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust). Simone has met Baroness Lawrence and as a result of her role went on a tour of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park when it was under construction. She was a recipient of the Stephen Lawrence Bursary Award at university. 

The company founder is also a Trustee at the Royal Institute of British Architects, contributing towards the diversification of the profession. Simone said Black History Month was vital for understanding and progress.

“The industry has talked about it for a long time and there has been an outcry for diversity,” she said. “Now we have gone past that and it is about putting the actions in place. Putting people in positions of power from all types of backgrounds. Also encouraging people to be confident and honest about their skills. We need to continue this and at all times, employees should feel comfortable, confident and supported. The best person for the job should get the job, regardless of background. I’ve always felt confident and competent as a designer because of my upbringing and experience, and I have never felt phased in that regard.

“Employers encouraging applications from people with different backgrounds I think helps because there is a bit of anxiety in society and candidates from minority groups can feel automatically excluded and possibly not even apply for jobs. That initial opening up the door and encouragement by companies in welcoming a range of applications can really help to give someone just a little bit more confidence to put themselves forward. If you have that environment, you will get interest from all areas of the talent pool.

“Black History Month helps as it lets society focus on black history and maybe even help contribute to that history. There is a lack of teaching – I remember at school there wasn’t much on the syllabus. Through Black History Month there is acknowledgement of black architects, writers, and ways of doing things. It’s an education and I do not think you can ever stop learning. It knits communities together, everyone can learn a little bit more. It’s an evolving appreciation each year and it’s fantastic.”

Partnerships London Contracting’s Tracy Mugide hosted the event and said she was inspired by Simone’s talk. The trainee quantity surveyor said those from minority groups should feel positive about the future. She added Black History Month was helping to add to the conversation.

“As we feel in the minority in the industry it can feel a bit disheartening to young people who might not be so confident in themselves because they’re uncertain about their progression,” Tracy said. “But it’s great to hear they should hold their ground and be positive about what they offer and can become.”

The theme for Black History Month this year is ‘Time for Change: Action not Words’. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group’s ‘Culture & Communities Network’ has been celebrating Black History Month throughout October. This week is ‘Music Week’. See the Network’s Black History Month page for more on how to engage.
 

Find out more: www.vistrygroup.co.uk