Making a change with Make architects

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Date: 20th Sep 2022

Author: Jade McGhee

Type: Blog

Let’s get to know Make, one of our architecture partners who have assisted us in delivering our Building Futures programme. Finding out about us through social media and word of mouth the practice wanted to volunteer their time and financial support to organisations like us to increase diversity within the industry.

First things first, lets get to know why Make are partnering with us…

“Blueprint for All has a great reputation for reaching those from disadvantaged backgrounds and supporting them in a variety of ways along their journey into architecture.  We believe our contribution of time and funds can make the biggest difference when we work with an established charity such as Blueprint for All.

As architects, we want to see more diversity in the profession and also within our own practice.  We thrive on having diverse voices and perspectives within our studio and our designs are stronger for it.

The quality of the built environment benefits from its designers being reflective of the wider community.  Increasing diversity and inclusion in all built environment professions will improve the built environment and help us all deal with the challenges that society faces.”

Partnering with Make we wanted to make sure that we encourage the company to contribute in a variety of ways and make the most out of our partnership.

“We have committed to an annual financial donation.  We have created two new paid roles exclusively for Blueprint for All participants who are studying for their Part 1: a three-month summer internship role and a one-day-per-week Sustainability Researcher role during the academic year.  We have taken on a Blueprint for All participant as a Level 6 apprentice.  We have reserved four of our work experience places for Blueprint For All participants.  We also encourage applicants through the #bemoreurban partnership.”

 

We have hosted two portfolio workshops, the first of which attracted over 175 participants on Zoom, showing the reach of virtual events. The second portfolio workshop was a one-on-one review for 12 participants. We hosted a hands-on Revit beginners’ workshop in the studio to give students confidence when applying for a job. We have donated six computers to a Blueprint for All partner school.
Frances Gannon, Partner at Make

What impact do you think the partnership has had?

It is fantastic to see young people grow in confidence and skills as they spend time in the studio for work experience or an internship.  We’ve had great feedback from our workshops that having the opportunity to talk to architects and being able to ask for help and advice is a great support.

At Make we really enjoy welcoming young people into the studio, it brings a fresh energy and new perspective to our teams.  Having students in the office gives our more junior colleagues valuable coaching and management experience.  It’s rewarding for everyone to step away from the intensity of the day job for a short while and feel that we are giving back to the profession and contributing to positive change.

Head over here to see more from Make

Are you a budding architect?

If you are considering a career in architecture, are already studying or are working in the profession and would like to join our Building Futures programme.

Find out more