18 VIEWS
ASK THE ARCHITECT
Former RIBA president, founder of her own practice and recipient of an OBE for diversity, Jane Duncan answers ADF’s questions about what continues to inspire her
WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER AS A DESIGNER?
Most of my professional life I have loved designing new houses for clients, and the highlight is always when re-visiting to see them being completely at home in the spaces created for them.
HOW DID YOU FEEL AS THE THIRD WOMAN TO BE APPOINTED RIBA PRESIDENT? I was thrilled to get the support of enough RIBA members to win the election, and then I just wanted to get on with the huge spread of initiatives on my to-do list! As a very vocal equality advocate, I think it important to have the widest field of applicants for any role, then it’s up to the members to get involved and vote for the right person to represent them, whoever they are.
HOW MUCH HAVE THINGS CHANGED FOR WOMEN ARCHITECTS FOLLOWING YOUR TENURE AT RIBA?
Jane Duncan OBE
In truth the last few years have changed the work/life balance for all architects – as we all had time to re-appraise after Covid lockdowns. It has always felt right to me, as a practice owner, to trust staff and look after them well; if you are happy you are productive, and the move I have seen towards a fairer work ethic affects everyone. I feel that this levels the
playing field somewhat, but still requires more definition and certainty to prevent the attrition of women from the profession, as does the need to encourage better gender diversity at high levels throughout the industry.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLES NOW, INCLUDING AT JDA?
I have very slowly moved away from active project running and now remain as a consultant to the practice after a management buy out in 2020, following years of succession planning. My life remains busy, chairing the RIBA’s expert panel on fire safety, which involves advocacy to the Government for improved regulations, lecturing and writing on this huge topic. I have been delighted to be more involved in a wide range of industry awards judging; in architectural education, external examining, and recently appointed to Oxford Brookes University to help with the RIBA Studio courses.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO RECEIVE THE OBE? It was an unexpected delight, as it was awarded for services to diversity in the architecture profession. I had spent 2013 to 2015 as the RIBA’s first Ethnic Diversity & Inclusion champion and was elected to the presidency on an equality banner.
A new home for a private client in Radlett
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF JUNE 2024
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