Archinect - News

‘Staggering’ discrimination and sexual misconduct levels in the UK architecture profession, ARB study finds

2024-11-20T19:01:00-05:00

The UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published research finding widespread discrimination and sexual misconduct within the UK architecture profession. The study, resulting from a survey of almost 900 individuals, reveals that architecture professionals experience higher rates of discrimination and sexual misconduct compared to other sectors such as academia and healthcare.

According to the research, over a third of all professionals working in architecture have experienced insults, stereotypes, or jokes relating to protected characteristics. One in four female professionals has experienced unwelcome sexual advances, while a third of professionals would not feel confident raising concerns if they experienced or observed misconduct.

On the specific topic of misconduct in the profession, 41% of respondents have experienced bullying while 33% have experienced discrimination. 10% have experienced sexual misconduct. In addition, 38% have experienced insults, stereotypes, or ...

Sir David Adjaye accused of sexual misconduct by three former employees

2023-07-04T10:58:00-04:00

The prominent architect Sir David Adjaye has been accused of sexual misconduct by three former employees. The claims were reported first by the Financial Times, in which the three women accuse Adjaye and his firm, Adjaye Associates, of “different forms of exploitation — from alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment by him to a toxic work culture — that have gone unchecked for years.”

In response, the architect has denied the claims of sexual misconduct, abuse, or criminal wrongdoing, while stating that he was “ashamed” to have entered into relationships that “though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives.”

The three women, whose names are changed by the Financial Times to protect their identities, told the paper they came forward in order to “prevent other women from encountering similar abuse and to make public the architect’s private behavior.” To corroborate their accounts, the Financial Times interviewed colleagues, family mem...

AIA approves new rules specifically addressing sexual harassment and sustainability

2018-09-12T17:54:00-04:00

The AIA Board of Directors have recently approved new changes to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct to explicitly address sexual harassment, equity in the profession, and sustainability.

AIA 2018 President Carl Elefante, FAIA stated, “The architecture profession is at a threshold moment. The Board’s adoption of these changes provides us with another step toward ending sexual harassment in the workplace, advancing equity in our profession, and promulgating sustainable practices. I applaud the members who raised their voices to offer these improvements to the code, and the AIA delegates, Board of Directors, and National Ethics Council who acted on their concerns.”

You can find the full list of new and updated rules on the AIA's website here.

UC Berkeley gives three-year suspension to professor of architecture for pattern of sexual harassment

2018-08-20T14:06:00-04:00

UC Berkeley Professor Nezar AlSayyad has been suspended for three years without pay for engaging in a pattern of sexual harassment and abuse of faculty power, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. AlSayyad, a tenured architecture professor and Middle East scholar, sexually harassed his former student, Eva Hagberg Fisher, from 2012 to 2014.

After an independent investigation determined he was guilty of inappropriate and manipulative behavior, AlSayyad was removed from teaching courses but continued to receive a $211,000-a-year salary. He was also allowed to remain serving on academic committees and continued to advise students. Hagberg Fisher agreed not to sue the school, instead agreeing to an $80,000 settlement.

In November 2016, after the investigation's findings were first reported, protests erupted at the school with Graduate students angered by UC Berkeley's handling of the situation and their lack of transparency. Hagberg Fisher wrote a viral op-ed (and must-read) for the the...

Why Richard Meier's behavior was known and went unchecked

2018-04-05T15:27:00-04:00

After a report last month by The New York Times detailing a pattern of sexual misconduct by Mr. Meier, more women have come forward to share their own upsetting encounters with him. But in recounting such experiences, these women said they had also been disturbed by a sense of helplessness that pervaded the firm. Mr. Meier’s behavior was common knowledge, they said, but no one seemed to have the power to stop it.

With the #metoo movement, women have come forward exposing Richard Meier's abusive behavior to his employees. Further investigation has explored why this behavior of powerful men harassing or assaulting women went unchecked at their organizations. The common thread is fear of losing a job.

Many women did not lodge formal complaints with the company for fear of being fired (although some were fired regardless soon after an incident). Other employees in the company who knew what was going on did nothing to stop it for fear of losing their own jobs.

Looking for a job at a women-led firm? Check out our latest job roundups featuring current (at the time of writing) opportunities at firms powered by amazing women.

Richard Meier, accused by 5 women of sexual harassment, to take a six-month leave of absence

2018-03-13T14:00:00-04:00

In a story published by the New York Times this morning, five women—four of whom worked with Meier and another who encountered him through the Getty—have gone on record with their stories of sexual harassment and assault at the hands of Richard Meier. The behavior ranges from grabbing a woman's "underwear through her dress at a firm holiday party," to exposing himself to unwilling employees. In one instance, according to the Times, Meier forcefully pulled a women into bed, causing her to flee his home in Los Angeles.

With these women going public, Mr. Meier has decided to take a six month leave from his firm, which is a rather short amount of time considering the severity of these accusations. He has issued the following statement: “I am deeply troubled and embarrassed by the accounts of several women who were offended by my words and actions. While our recollections may differ, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my behavior. I am leaving the company in the hands of...

Daniela Soleri accuses father, Paolo Soleri, of sexual abuse

2017-12-20T14:17:00-05:00

But speaking out is just a beginning. Others undergoing experiences similar to mine need assurance that protecting themselves and demanding fairness will be supported, regardless of who the perpetrator is, or how his work is perceived. They need to know that strengthening society’s capacity for fair, thoughtful treatment of everyone is also a valuable contribution, and not a threat.

Danila Soleri, in a poignant and exposing open letter published on Medium, titled "Sexual abuse: it's you, him, and his work" has accused her father, Paolo Soleri, of sexual abuse.

The open letter walks us through the psychological, emotional and tangent emotions and repercussions of such an experience while detailing the inner and outward struggle of living with a father who on the one hand had become notorious for his architectural marvels but who on the other hand had forgone human values in the search of creative greatness.