Just Transition Lobby: Hustings 2023

Just Transition Lobby_ Hustings
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[00:00:00]

Stephen Drew: It's a late one. It's an evening special strap on in. It's gonna get political. Who knows what's gonna happen this time last year, we got the next future press done in his C, the R O B A, the Royal Institute British Architects. So who is gonna be joining him this year? That is up to you, 20 seconds.

Ooh, okay. I better get professional. Let's go.

Hello everyone. It's a late one. It's, we're all here. I'm not, it's not just me on the stage. It's gonna be a wild ride. We've got cameras [00:01:00] coming in and out. This is an interactive hustings brought to you by some of the people that were involved in the elections last year. So I'm on the stages. A few other names joining me as well, and we are gonna work through it all together.

But if you saw one of the posts that I posted last week, you might have been aware of the call to action for the just transition lobby. Now, many of you might be thinking what that is, and that would be a good question. But I will go through it. And also I have the lovely Maryam above me who is part of the R a b.

Now, how are you? Maryam, are you okay? Hi

Maryam: Stephen. That's tack teaming again. So my name is Maryam, I'm the R a B student representative, so whoever's gonna be elected's gonna be my partner in crime and we'll see who's gonna be joining me this time.

Stephen Drew: That's right. That's right, exactly. I'm just gonna add N Pin to the stage here while here.

Don't worry. We'll introduce [00:02:00] everyone in a second. But what is the dress Transition lobby? So I'm gonna read out the woods really quickly of what it's all about. And so we are back again and proud to announce the launch of the Just Transition Lobby. An informal network of individuals and organizations coming together for the specific purpose to lobby an urgent change.

In the belt environment. Ooh. Primarily aiming to shift the internal balance of power in the professional institutes. And in this case, I think we are looking at the R A B A. So what's happened is, if you haven't been following it, is that we're gonna do a hosting tonight because people have checked out the post that I've posted, the post that's gone on social media and they've thrown their hat in the ring saying that they are interested in running to be on the R A B A council.

However, and I'll put the link up, we have a good problem to have. Normally the associates seats in the R A B A. My goodness, this is a long link, but you could check it out on LinkedIn, on the [00:03:00] Architecture Social blog or just type in just transition lobby on the interwebs. I dunno. Google it, you'll find it.

But normally the associate seats are pretty vacant. No one goes for it. However, what we have in this time is we have six associates and the associate in the R A B A actually means a part two. Basically someone going towards their part three or someone that is part two qualified like me. So you know, you get odd black sheeps as well.

So there's six people that are interested in running for the R A B A council and part of the trust transition lobby is that you all can pick who you would like to be part of that and who will got for nomination. They can all still run. But who gets the badge, who gets the prestige is down to this maram.

Before we go to all the people on the stage and introduce who they are, is there anyone, anything you'd like to add to that?

Maryam: So I've been [00:04:00] on the RIBA Council now. I'm reelected as the student representative. It is an interesting opportunity to make some change. You're dealing with many different people, but it's really a democratic process in terms of getting your voice heard and you're representing people of all around the membership.

If we don't really speak, then who will? So I think it's a very good opportunity. If you feel passionate and want change to engage with the membership, now's the opportunity to do and you're talking on behalf of other, here, associates that you would represent. So it's not just like your voice, you're talking on behalf of others as well.

And you're the future of the profession. So that's why it's important to get your voice heard and

Stephen Drew: engage. I agree completely. And I should point out that it's not just associates running as well. The problem that we have today is that they p everyone in the audience of the hastens has to pick what associates they would like to run.

But also we have some amazing Architectural [00:05:00] professionals who are running as well because they support the cause. They support what's in the mandate and that will include Greta to my Oh, it's virtual, isn't it? It's this item, me as well. And we will go around now. So maybe on that point I can introduce.

Everyone on the stage and I'm gonna organize it. So Marin, I'm just gonna shuffle you around live. Don't worry, you're still here. We're just playing like musical chairs in the virtual world. But on the top, I have three of the associates which are interested in running on this on this awesome moment in time.

We haven't got much time though, because I think the RIBA votes are coming in soon, but I'll move it on. Louisa, first of all, it's lovely to meet you. Do you wanna unmute yourself and tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

Oh, you're muted. There we go. It was always gonna be someone, and then [00:06:00] for. Can you

Candidate 01: hear me now? Yes, there you are. Okay. It's the headphones technology. My name is Louisa and I'm a part two with post-grad, also in digital fabrication. My interests are on neurodiversity sustainability and technology.

And we're looking at launching the Neurodiversity Architecture network. We, you're all welcome to attend. It's gonna be at the Fitzrovia Center Community Center, really close to the RIBA. I also work with my partner on where tech, so I'm also a bit involved in startup businesses and just last week was at Imperial College, looking at some pitches and I think we really need to bring in some serious business into Architecture.

Yeah, that's me.

Stephen Drew: Said, and thank you for joining us here. And don't worry about the tech because we cured your points loud and proud and I can't wait to hear a little bit more. But for now, Louisa, if it's cool, I'm just gonna mute you just in case [00:07:00] we get a little bit of back. It's like speakers, but we'll unmute you whenever you want.

Okay. Thank you Louisa, for being here. Now, Paul, I can't wait to hear your points. And Paul, I love your environment. I was hearing the chickens earlier. Paul, tell us about yourself, who you are, and maybe a little bit about where you are and most importantly, what you stand for.

Candidate 02: Hi there. Nice to meet everybody.

Thanks for the intro. My name's Paul. I'm originally from Belfast and I studied over here worked abroad a bit and I work locally and do some commercial work alongside some private work. And have a big interest in research, particularly with drones and digitization of assets and mapping.

I spent a couple of years outside of the industry actually working on the railway pioneering drone technology for the likes of Network Rail. Another big big players in that industry. But I think several years ago I got involved in my local RIBA branch. Something I would highly recommend people do, and I'm the current secretary for the N ds a not Insurance, Darbyshire Society of [00:08:00] Architects where I've invested a considerable amount of time and energy into helping to for want of a better word, rehabilitate the branch and turn it into an inclusive highly productive.

We had a bit of a quiet spell recently, but highly productive powerful place for the empowerment of young people coming through in the profession. And if you go on the website, n dsa.org uk, you'll see a range of work that we've done there. Recently applied for successfully and obtained some monies from RIBA.

Another reason why people should be aware of their local branch. There's a lot you can do. I think a lot of people don't know what's their fingertips and what they could access to in that regard. And I think a big thing is about tapping into the untapped intellectual capital within the profession.

And I think the RIBA branches are a great platform for that. So I'm interested in seeing that scaled up to a national level at the very least.

Stephen Drew: Amazing. Thank you, Paul. That's really cool. And I really appreciate you sharing that. So very excited to to learn more. [00:09:00] Okay. So I'm gonna try and move around the stage now.

N Pen, you've kindly joining us now and you might get a bit of lag don't worry. I'm just gonna, if there's a second or two delay, it's no problem. But N Pin, do you wanna introduce yourself? Sure. Just foremost, I think, fingers

Candidate 03: crossed that I don't drop out. My name is Nin Mka. I A European educated Architect internationally qualified.

I am currently a part three student at Westminster, but I also wear other hats. I am an educator. I work across three schools of Architecture in the uk. And yeah that's

Stephen Drew: mean in a nutshell. There you go. We're brilliant. I really appreciate all you free being here. And so in particular, if I'm not mistaken, and Maryam can correct me, but I think, so you free amongst one or two others, which will be in the list.

And we'll bring up the list here that people can look at and I will vote, [00:10:00] I'll bring up the link so that people can vote who they want. But you three are running for the associateship, so we are gonna ask a few more questions a bit later on. And that link is there and I'm gonna put that link. I dunno how I'm gonna do it.

I'm gonna find a way. I think I can get it in the chat. So let me do that. Now I'm not the best multitasker, which isn't very good when I'm running the stream, but we'll work it out. There we go. So the link's gone around so you and the audience can click that and you can vote at any time who you would like to run for you.

That's what I've been told. Now we have some awesome professionals say, alluded earlier to Greta, who's on my virtual left here amongst one or two others. But Greta, if you could kindly unmute yourself and tell us who you are, what you stand for, and why you're here, that would be awesome.

Candidate 04: Hi everyone.

So thanks for your presentation's. [00:11:00] Really good to hear from you guys. So I'm an Architect. I've been for about 10 years now. I've been an R b A member for a bit less than that, but originally educated in Sweden. I am a case worker and a union rep for Soar U V W. And I am passionate about, I guess work is right in our industry because I think it's so crucial to diversity and to get the best of everybody and to the profession.

I'm also really I work in retrofits. I'm a passive house designer as well, so I I'm really fully behind the the just transition a agenda, so that's why I'm here.

Stephen Drew: Amazing. Thank you, Greta. That is brilliant. So I think that's really useful. So we have Maria here in the background who's turned off, but Maria is supporting us from the sideline.

I think Maria is part of remind me, I think, Maria, tell us briefly about yourself. I know you're not running, but now that you're here, I'm gonna drag you into it [00:12:00] virtually. That's

Maryam: fine. Thanks, Steven. I'm here in support of Greta, actually, whom I worked together with. I'm doing my masters in Architecture at cat.

I did my undergrad at Greenwich and worked over a couple of years in practice. So now I'm very keen on everything that Greta has just mentioned, plus a lot of looking into education. So I'm really interested in what happens next and supporting the people who try

Candidate 01: to make the right

Stephen Drew: transition. Very cool.

Perfect. And there is a method to this madness and there is a bit of madness here cuz I can see a gentleman trying to join the stream. So I'm gonna risk and double check that Seneca is connected and I'm gonna bring him to the stage and n pins back as well. So hang on. I'm gonna bring everyone back.

Seneca, how are you sir? Have you gate crashing our affair to this evening? Are you [00:13:00] coming to say hello? Do you wanna unmute yourself and tell everyone what you do or are you just gonna hide in the background? Have I just brought you on stage while you're sitting on your sofa?

He is confused, dazed and confused. Off you go. But Seneca's part of U v w saw and represents a lot of the good stuff in Architecture. Sorry, I think I caught him out on the couch and. Blast him on LinkedIn while on the broadcast that is the danger of coming into the green room. But anyways, Maryam, you are the professional counterpart of me.

If I was chaos, you are order and you can bring some order to this court and we can carry on with quote unquote hus thingss. So I guess there is an opportunity for people in the audience to ask their own questions as well. We had one or two comments coming in with emojis. People are excited and comment in let's do this again next year and change the [00:14:00] r b and so on and so forth.

But Marm, was there one or two questions that we should ask the people here that you had before Blue Peter style prepared?

Maryam: Definitely. I guess my first question is why are you running? So what is driving you to

Stephen Drew: run. Ooh, Ooh. Should I, we pick someone at random? Louisa, you are actually got your connection here.

People are connecting in and out. Can I put the spotlight on yourself and can you tell us why you want to run?

Oh, I'm gonna unmute you first. Sorry. Sorry. Yeah, there you go.

Candidate 01: So I'm running because I want to see real change for Neurodivergence that is people with hidden disabilities. And also because I think there is something about the climate that we're not addressing that we could be potentially addressing on a broader scale if we combined with other industries and if we had some cross pollination between Architecture and other disciplines.

So I [00:15:00] think my experience is more at an educational level and even though I have professional experience as well, But I'm very interested in education and in raising awareness about neurodiversity sustainability and technology and how these connect to each other. So that's why I'm running is like my core beliefs, I think.

Yeah.

Stephen Drew: Very cool. Thank you for that. Now I'm gonna take a risk. Paul. Paul,

Candidate 02: I think you're

Stephen Drew: muted. Can you say it again? I muted myself, Paul, instead of unmuting you. Sorry, it's all getting a bit too much for me. Paul, you're here with the chickens. Tell us why you wanna run in a bit more detail, Paul, and what you're passionate about.

Candidate 02: I think what was very striking was the values based approach and that was something that was fundamental to essentially the relaunch of our local branch, of which we've had pretty good success.

We've brought in a lot of new people, a lot of marginalized and underrepresented. Individuals and groups have come to the fore [00:16:00] and they've really taken up the opportunity to engage with the branch activities. I think that what I think a lot of us believe is that what's needed as reform and to get that it's not going to be a top down type of reform that's needed.

It's a bottom up approach. And how do you achieve that? I think that's rolling out a nationwide blueprint for branch engagement. Stitching together the branches nationally, but also working regionally and locally and drawing out the intellectual capital which is essentially disregarded, discounted and misplaced within our profession.

I is one way to achieve that. So I think in a nutshell, That's that's why I would run is because I believe that I've developed sufficient experience working alongside RIBA, within RIBA and working within the communities and educational institutions to to see where the opportunities are and to go out there and empower people to [00:17:00] adopt position of leadership and and engagement.

Stephen Drew: Lovely. Thank you, Paul. I'm gonna throw that question. We can do everyone actually as well, isn't it? But N Pen, are you unmute yourself if you hear kind, sir? Yeah I'm here. Yes. Brilliant. In your words, why are you running, why have you throwing your hat Forwards N Pen?

Candidate 03: I putting myself forward first off, cuz I thought the associate seats should not be vacant.

I thought it was a missed opportunity for those seats to go empty, especially in this time where there's we've got the first work at precedent, we're looking at educational reforms. So I felt, put myself forward. But more I feel like I've got a contribution in terms of the fact that I I like to describe myself as an odd ball because I I am I'm spread across pretty much every stage of Architecture in some capacity currently.

As an educator I I work actively across three Architectural schools in the [00:18:00] uk. So I not only tutor and mentor across level four, level five, level six. And to some extent part twos, but as well, I am an associate in the eyes of the RIBA. So I finished my part, what is my part two in 2012?

So for me, the associate level has been some sort of liminal space. There is some, a lack of identity. It's a transition space, so you often find foreign educated and foreign qualified architects who exist in that space. And I happen to also fit those shoes. But as well, I'm also a par three, so I know what it means to be on, on, on that stage as well.

That's why I say I, I feel like I exist on every level of Architectural education. I also work as a Architectural designer and experience the difficulties with with the jobs, the wages the psychological challenges of being part of Architecture in the uk.

So that all [00:19:00] put together for me is, I like to describe that as representation. I've actively sort out avenues to not only bring forward a voice whether it's at local level, I'm in the Midlands. I have played a part as part of the Birmingham architects Association. And and as an educator, I know what the issues are with sustainability embedding that into education, teaching the students.

I feel like there's a chance for the Architect to rediscover its values with with embedding sustainability, but in, in education. But right now it's more of a bolt-on course. As opposed to being at the heart of things. So students are left, having to figure things out on their own besides the pressures that they face.

And worst off I think is how they demonstrate that as value when it comes to the being employable. So there, there are gray areas. There are lots of gray areas, but I would say my two key points, which I believe resonates with sort of the agenda of adjust, transition is around [00:20:00] sustainability and climate action, particularly as in regards to education.

And then E D I A be mainly because I feel we can't start that discussion without representation and I happen to represent quite a few views as part of my lived experience.

Stephen Drew: Okay. Very cool very far. Thank you so much and I'm glad you brought that to attention just cuz just before we move on to Greta, cause there's one, there's a question in the audience for you and I'd love to, for you to expand upon where you want to run as well.

The associate seats. Yeah. I was an associate before, and you're right. When I stopped I was hopeful that two people would fulfill those seeds and no one did. And in the R A B A, you're right that actually those votes can't, cuz that's how it works in the council. There are votes there. So I do think that actually having those two particular votes are very important.

So I am glad that you're running and I do think that it's a, and it's an important voice that is talked about. In the R A B A council. [00:21:00] So thanks Nin. I'm really glad you're here. Greta, maybe you can expand upon a little bit about why you feel compelled to run

Candidate 04: well. I think echoing a lot of the the other candidates, but specifically being in this industry for such a long time, I've witnessed the the, potentially the changes towards negative that we are experiencing with ever dwindling fees and bigger workloads.

And I think the RIBA needs to be much more in the forefront of us as professionals of members who are not company directors who are not benefiting from profits so much. And definitely supporting every being in the breach of of the climate change agenda rather than somehow trying to sit on the fence, as I feel that is, is often the case.

We, we need to have an RIBA that actually defends the values of most professionals that I know who work in the industry and also invite. People [00:22:00] to contribute who are not currently in a position to contribute find barriers into the profession. As a single working parent, I think the financial side is huge.

We need to be able to make a living and we need to be able to get home and in time to, to see our kids before they go to bed. And not being able to access quite basic benefits of professional life. As an Architect maybe for 10 to 20 years is a huge barrier.

And I think it, it just means that the profession becomes irrelevant. And we're not fighting for the right things. So yeah, I think why I picked this moment is potentially because I. There is that opportunity to have more people on seats and get, get somebody to get some change finally, I think it's been something that people have been hoping

Stephen Drew: For a long time.

Yeah, said. It is true. Now, Greta, there was a question from LinkedIn and Mr. Mark Webb says, hi Greta. How do we [00:23:00] increase union membership in Architecture and construction now? That's, yeah. It's on the fly. I know it's on the spot, however, do you have any initial thoughts, Greta, on, on that point?

For Mark?

Candidate 04: Absolutely. We we need to make it we need to be visible as a union and we need to be therefore represented in, on, on the RIBA Council, I think is pretty pretty key. But also we need to be a voice that is heard in in, in media perhaps. And also what I'm doing quite a lot, almost like on a weekly basis, is grassroots work where we are talking to members who are struggling, who're going through experiences at work and we're trying to help them organize their workplaces.

We're trying to help them spread the word that, they're, that, together we're stronger. And having a union membership means that you have a rep. Backing you up, which, sometimes there's not a lot we can do to change legislation if it's not with us, but we the power is in numbers really.

So yeah, to increase [00:24:00] the membership is vital and within so you vw we're doing or we can at the moment, but yeah, definitely. That's the,

Stephen Drew: that's a challenge. Yeah, absolutely. As Mark has put a really good question on the stage and gives me and Maryam a pause for break for a few seconds. Would anyone on the stage like to unmute themselves and answer that?

It could be a question for you, Louisa or Paul and then Penn maybe does someone want to go first?

Maryam: It could be also just Steven, I'm just gonna prompt you. It could also be about how do we increase associate engagement in Architecture and construction, people in kind of the middle career.

I just think that's a little bit more specific for you guys.

Stephen Drew: Yes. Good point.

Candidate 03: Let me take a go at it. I think it's about demonstrating what value you can impact to each one person or each group. But the challenge would be identifying these groups and what it is they consider as [00:25:00] value.

So there has to be some sort of I'd say outreach if first to identify these people and what it is they want. I do not think the associate level is fully understood. For instance, how long does one spend as an associate, what are the challenges that really exist there? In transitioning into Chartership and Indeed is that what part two graduates want given the issues around unpaid work and low wages.

So I think first trying to understand how you can bring value to these people and perhaps it I think that would center around protecting their interests and progression.

Stephen Drew: Yeah. Said. And I appreciate you sharing your thoughts there. On that point, maybe before we close it, so it's turn turns to getting more student engagement, associate engagement as well.

Louisa, have you got any thoughts on how the r a b may be more engaging?

Yes,

Candidate 01: I think we need to listen to students and have [00:26:00] more Polls on what people want, what people need, not only from the R B A, but from the individual institutions that apply the policies and the and the procedures that the RIBA provides. So I think there is a need to work locally and decentralize systems and also diversify approaches.

So by that to accommodate to people with different intersectionalities and different needs. I think the key to it to lead into this is really inclusion and accessibility and eventually we will evolve into something that people are happy with. And into more representation. But if we don't provide the means for people to talk and to share their opinions and their views it's not going anywhere.

So I think that's why I'm so keen [00:27:00] on neurodiversity and so keen on accessibility and inclusion. It's because we really need to address this part of the, it's the first step. So yeah, if you look at them, I really like the 1, 2, 3 points because for me they go backwards. You have to start with the third and then the second, and then the first point of the just transition lobby.

Yep.

Stephen Drew: Brilliant. Thank you so much. And I can feel your passion and I do agree. Neurodiversity is very important. Now I'm gonna, I can see Paul walking around in the Garden of Eden there, just checking if Paul, you're still with us. How are you sir? Can you speak? Tanya, can you hear me? Yes.

Oh, I'm getting the tranquil. I think I've gotta do it in the garden as well. I'll get a big ethernet out and go outside. I'm feeling more tranquil. Oh, I'm banging all my stuff here. Paula, we were just talking about how we could increase [00:28:00] associate members, student members, and and, architects engaged with the R O b a increased union membership and so on and so forth.

Do you have any do you have a spin on that, that you'd like to add? In terms of what you think? Yeah,

Candidate 02: One thing we've had great success with is exactly that. Again, at our local branch we find that there's a lot of people out there that are really interested in engaging, but they're simply put off and they're put off for a whole range of reasons that, I'm not gonna start listing them now, but we all know, the nature of the beast.

And I think what important

Stephen Drew: from the outside.

Candidate 02: Prior to approaching any, to lay down, essentially for want of the better expression, a set of ground rules, or as you've already put it in your documentation. The values. The values and principles. Cause what that does is that says, that sets the tone and that essentially says, this is what we're about.

This is what we're going to get behind. This is what's working to us. And then those that resonates with will naturally emerge. They will come out and they will step forward with a degree of [00:29:00] confidence in them. And that will empower people simply that as your starting point will

Stephen Drew: actually

Candidate 02: Have an effect.

I think you would start there. And then what you do is you have to lay out and lead. You've gotta demonstrate this is what you can do. This is where you can be effective. This is where we've had results. Here's where we've struggled to make progress or headway, but this is what we've learned along the way.

Once you've done that then you essentially have to step back and let people roll your sleeves up and get stuck in Because that's what you need. You need people. You need people becoming leaders, becoming empowered to become leaders, to lead. And I think that's largely prohibited by the structures, the preexisting structures that are there in the profession.

It's breaking through that through a sort of a a simple a simple process.

Stephen Drew: Very cool. Thank you Paul. And I'm amazed at your 5g, which is surviving in the garden. And now if I was back in Wales, there was no chance this would work, but I managed to get everything loud and clear, so thank you very much.

Perfect. [00:30:00] Okay, so we're now at the 30 minute mark everyone, so maybe we can do a quick, I'll do a quick recap for a second. I'm gonna point to one or two things and then maybe we can do is just break it out with one or two questions but a bit like X factor. Now I need to look into the camera and I need to tell everyone where they can vote if they wanna participate in today.

So there is a vote here. And Maram, I think I've got the right link up. I believe so if you can double check and be the brains while I be,

Maryam: It is Stephen con confirming

Stephen Drew: Confi confirmation complete. Exactly. So now scrolling on the bottom a bit like X factor, you can vote for your favorite person and they will go round to the final round.

Is it A as it, B as it C? But this is purely for the associates because we have a unique situation where a lot of awesome associates like Nin Pen, like Louisa, like Paul in the Garden of [00:31:00] Eden are running for it. And you can pick the top two that you'd like to run, but they can all run. But who gets the badge then?

And who's gonna be put on social media That comes down to you? And I'm gonna bring up the link. It's really easy when you click it, it will go through, oh my goodness. I should have it up ready, shouldn't I? Let me, one second. Let me get that ready. So it will look like this. And that's it.

You just pick who you want. It's been updated, but the three that were here was seven, but if you want, yeah, you did make it. So now it's three, the top three. One of them can't be there, unfortunately, such as life. So you pick who you want and that's on the link. And then they will get through. Now, I'm gonna bring up here, before I forget, let's see if it pops up.

Here are the free criteria that we were talking about earlier. Now I'm not expecting you to get a binocular and to get all the points up, but just a quick [00:32:00] recap. The free founding principles was number one, that the R A B A must leverage its position and resources towards radical climate action in and beyond the built environment.

We've only got one planet and hey, we need to do more. Otherwise, goodness knows what's happening. Paul, Paul's garden and the beautiful chickens ain't gonna have much grass to go around any longer. Now, point number two, the R A B A must endeavor to advance the material and cultural conditions of Architectural workers.

We've made a lot of stride talking about the long hours. Is this a an E equal environment? Are there unconscious biases? Remember the gender pay gap. This, there's, we've made some waves, but are we going the full way? Are we really looking at the environment and thinking, is this an environment I want to be work in and be proud of?

This isn't the fountain pen. Do we want people dying at desks to get the model overnight? I don't think so, but we need to hear people's thoughts on that. Are we okay where we [00:33:00] are? Or is there a lot more way we can go, maybe we can talk about that in a little bit. And the last point that's on here is number three, which is the R A B A must incorporate e equal equity, diversity in and inclusion and accessibility.

Very good point. As foundational values in all aspects of their work. You may have heard the old joke before that Architecture is an old white boys club. I've heard that. Is that true? Is there a long way to go? Is it really an equal environment? You tell me. I think it's getting better. I still think there's a way to go and that's why it's made it up here, isn't it enough people are talking about it that it's a point that we still need to dissect and go through.

Is this really an equitable, I think that's the word, isn't it? Working environment and industry. So we are gonna unpack all of that now, Marion. Who is the voice of reason [00:34:00] on the stage here? Mari? Sometimes. Sometimes. Always. Always. So we had the free founding principles here. Now I've got one or one question from the audience that we can bring up later, but I would actually, if you are okay with it, Maram like to hear people's thoughts on what they would like to talk about, in particular to point number two, which was advancing the material and cultural condition for Architectural workers.

So what's it like in the workplace? What are our conditions? What is the environment? How can we make that better? Do any of you on this, on, on the stage? Have thoughts on that and what's your position on that? Greta, you can jump in if you want. I saw that you've turned on your camera. Do you have thoughts about the Architectural workplace at the moment?

Maryam: Stephen. It's just that we, I just need to stress that we need the associate seats voted on today because

Stephen Drew: we only have the [00:35:00] voice of reason. The voice of reason. Okay. Greta, stick around, right? Appreciate, I've been

Candidate 04: told

Maryam: your voice and I really wanna hear from you more, but it's just that we

Stephen Drew: need the associates.

We need to nail this. We need to nail this. It needs to be over,

Maryam: like by the time our conversation is, or like end of today needs to be over live's, what's, so we can literally vote. We can literally Stephen, you haven't voted, so you need to boat live maybe. But

Stephen Drew: Maryam it might come on the screen. Do you know what I mean?

I think I've gotta go last. Otherwise it could be like a GDPR nightmare. Yes, GRE of course Greta's thick here, but I've been told by the voice of reason I need to focus on the top three. Mr. Anonymous, Paul Greta,

Maryam: we can support you. But it's just the others, there's too many candidates and it needs to be narrowed down.

Stephen Drew: It is the fact of life. So Louis N Pen and Paul, the stakes are higher. We've got 20 [00:36:00] more minutes and we've gotta smash for it. Think about

Maryam: it this way. What kind of culture do you wanna see in Architecture, for the Architectural worker, what do you envision and how do you think we can do that?

I think that's, what are you the second point,

Stephen Drew: Louisa, jump in. Yeah. The gauntlet's, yours. I think

Candidate 01: it starts with recruitment and with how we recruit. It needs to be accessible. So it's interlinked with 0.3, which is why I think it should start from the. Accessibility, inclusion and diversity point, but and everything unfolds after that.

I think it starts with recruitment and really getting to know your employees, getting feedback from them, and fostering an environment that is local and that connects them with a broader community as well. Because even though we're Architecture, we're architects and we are embedded in the Architectural world, there's other disciplines, there are other businesses [00:37:00] running.

And I think if we want to build a better future, we really need connections between everyone. So for me the world of an Architect would be transformed. And yeah I've been familiarizing with startup culture and I really like that because it's led by innovation and I think we need a little bit of that in Architecture as well.

And but for me it starts with recruitment, accessibility, diversity, and equity. Yeah,

Stephen Drew: recruitment. Wow. You are trying to win my vote over, isn't it? That's the world I know. Then pen, what is your positions in the same question? How do we change the workplace and culture? Architecture,

Candidate 03: The workplace and culture has got lots of issues as is which we all know of. But I take a view where we should consider who the Architectural worker would be and.

They are currently being turned out and they are the students. So coming into that [00:38:00] workplace, what would I want for it to be? I'll piggyback on Luis's point on accessibility. The workplace has got to be more diverse. It's got to, it's good we're moving towards an outcome-based sort of framework where you are valued for what you know, as opposed to what, where you are educated.

But I believe the voice of the students in the grassroots movements have really brought an awakening and I would like to see that rise through to the Architectural worker scene, so to speak. And, Frankly, what is the root cause of this? Overworked pay or underpaid work?

And why is it is the Architecture terrible or business, or is it that business skills need to be more embedded in more center? Because if Architecture can be viewed to be profitable at some levels, then why doesn't it trickle down? So I would like to see CC that happen in the workplace on the Architectural workers scene.

But more [00:39:00] to take into consideration the future workers.

Maryam: Stephen. Just a reminder to everyone, you can vote for two candidates. Okay. It's your top two. We have three lovely, amazing, and I'm so grateful to see such enthusiasm from future generation. So it's voting for your top two, and hopefully we can get this through the RIBA

Stephen Drew: election on time.

Well said. Exactly. So it's top two, the person that resonates with you, number one, and then whack it in another vote as well. 15 more minutes. Paul, do you want to chip in on your thoughts on workplace culture and so on, so forth?

Candidate 02: Yeah. Really great points made there by the other two

Stephen Drew: people

Candidate 02: standing.

I think the only thing I would add to that is entrepreneurship. I don't I can tell you that there's a practice that I've discovered recently locally anonymous,

Stephen Drew: Who's getting

Wendy,

Candidate 02: who you find information.

Paid, paid their directors two and

Stephen Drew: a2

Candidate 02: 50 pounds each, three directors and [00:40:00] bonuses. But then, six weeks

Stephen Drew: later, they put everybody into the office and told them they're gonna have to volunteer for pay cuts, otherwise they're gonna make good. So this is insane, right?

Candidate 02: But that's I don't think these people are gonna change tact anytime soon.

So I think the empowerment, again, going back to the empowerment of individuals demonstrated how you can actually grow and develop as a leader, how you can develop some business acumen skills. And I think Louise's points about innovation are really important because I, we have the tools, we actually have the means and the technology, and we're tech savvy, our generation more so than the incumbent, let's say.

And so we, there is actually a lot we can do. It is really important that we reach out to everybody's inside there, give everyone a voice on platform, but there's be a spirit of entrepreneurship. I believe we don't need these bloated practices. We don't need to be working and live and toiling under people who have made it in life.

Who receive maybe a house from their parents or, which is great. Well done to them. That's not how it is for the majority of us. And so why should we have to [00:41:00] slug away endlessly. And then there's people that don't even get the opportunity to s slug away endlessly.

Who would give their right arm to s slug away endlessly. Cause they're excluded. So the empowerment, again, the entrepreneurship I believe we need a new wave of leaders of practices who have the priorities, right? Who are not there to serve developers, but actually consider the

Stephen Drew: prints and the traces they leave on the pad.

Maryam: Stephen, you are on mute.

Stephen Drew: Oh, do you know what? It's just that time in the evening, isn't it? I'm saying that Paul is fighting the weather. It's fighting talk. I'm loving it. And now I've just gotta fight the mute button, if that makes sense. Moving on. So we've got 13 minutes left. Maram, we have one question from the audience, however, cuz you got an overarching view of this evening.

Is there a poignant question that we think we should cover before we start winding down?

Maryam: We didn't really talk about climate change and [00:42:00] we didn't really talk about, how do you see the vision of the future our iba? What do you, how

Stephen Drew: do you wanna see it? There you go.

So should we mix up the order? The order now? Cause Paul, Louis,

Maryam: Let's go then as you did then. Pin first, I guess cuz we haven't, cause of course second.

Candidate 03: Climate change? It's a buzzword. We've got to be a bit critical about it and actually hold the right people accountable for pushing the right narrative.

Architectural practices chartered practices have got a role to play in that. And there, there's an ethical dimension to that as well. But as chartered architects, they should be there, there should be an avoidance of greenwashing, the whole narrative. In terms of the general Architectural worker scene set skills need to be established and valued.

So what I've not largely observed is people advanced towards literacy. In their own dimension. So it's not it's diverse [00:43:00] in, its in its way. And there, there isn't a direct value for that as part of the work the jobs that are available on the student level, there is a need to create that literacy and embed it actually into the degrees as opposed to having it like an add-on because it is a critical issue and we're not doing enough to educate the students.

And the greenwashing rubs off and the understanding, it's not clear. So in, in my as part of my day to day, I experience that gap in knowledge for the students and a lack of understanding of where that value would add would be added to them in the workplace. So I think overall climate change needs to be addressed by, by everyone.

But we need to be clear and set about what these where we can influence these changes cuz the need the Architect sits at the very central role in this. And I believe it's a big opportunity to redemonstrate our value to society, which, which in [00:44:00] my opinion we, we have lost.

Stephen Drew: So yeah. Great. Thank you Nin Pen. Really appreciate you sharing that. So Paul, are you with us, sir? Let's see. Might have gone

Maryam: even just plug in the poll again just for our viewers to remember to vote. We're nearly done. And we are gonna be. Joined to a close soon, I think. But just, ooh, wanna hear from everybody else and please do cast your votes.

It's very critical and important. And I just wanna say also there's the RIBA future architects regional reps. So if you could not, you wanna volunteer your time and join the RIBA and be a interesting like spokesperson, there is that route as well. And I was just gonna say, I'm just in awe of all these amazing candidates.

Paul

Candidate 02: onto

thank you. Yeah, similarly again, once again, the other two good responses. I think that Practically what we can do is shift the priority focus. So you have every [00:45:00] year, of course, the biggest, one of the biggest events in the RIBA calendar is the president's medals. Absolutely outstanding work phenomenal efforts.

But can we stand up and say, this is the most important thing our profession has to offer. And I think it's a it's hard to say, yes, it is. This is the most important thing that we should be celebrating every year on year. So what can we do instead of that? I think we can turn the spotlight onto projects that are exempt, where architects are going extra mile to to give further consideration to being considerate designers tread lightly.

And then in addition to that, a toolkit because we, we have this long education, but we all know it's too long and it doesn't give us enough of what we need. And our IBA is well placed to provide any kind of a toolkit. It so chooses there's great resources to tap. Tap into to, to extract.

And I think pulling together even basic things like what is an alternative to plastic report? What is an alternative to this steel frame building? And [00:46:00] hopefully what we'll see is, rather than RIBA Journal and other publications promoting the standard glass and steel buildings, we will see then greater exposure on the, on building methodologies that are important we should be pursuing that will cascade dying across the profession.

And it will influence people. Students coming through today want to know about the sustainable technologies because all they've been exposed to growing up is this impending doom. And yet,

Stephen Drew: I don't

Candidate 02: think the profession's doing enough to actually front up to that. So there's some of the practical things that we could do.

But I think giving the platform to people that are leading by example

Stephen Drew: Is an easy when it's an easy starting place. There you go. Thank you so much, Paul. Last, but certainly not least, Louisa, would you like to share your thoughts?

Candidate 01: So I'm gonna geek out a little bit on microplastics and blue.

I also the blue washing because there's, the planet, the majority of the planet is [00:47:00] water. And as architects I think we need to take a step forward and start engaging with that side of the planet and not restrict ourselves to land. And yeah, for me personally, I think microplastics is a huge problem because it's enormous health issues and I think that's one of the most important problems to target.

And then also, of course CO2 emissions. Addressing the greenwashing is obviously very good point from Nin and I think the greenwash needs to be addressed. The blue wash needs to be addressed, but innovation needs to take place and we need to start to really push creativity on how to target these issues.

We have a lot of other problems, but like you said, we need to shine the spotlight on this problem. Like Paul said, where are our priorities? We need to rethink those as well. And think about what we put out there, whether the information is the right information and how we are [00:48:00] teaching people in schools is really important.

So for me, it starts with education. And CPDs should be also about retrofitting and greenwashing, blue washing. And yeah, I think architects have the possibility to think outside buildings. It's not just about buildings, it's about finding solutions. Architects has problem solvers is, has an enormous potential.

And I think that we are, that in our generation of architects, at least, we are problem solvers and we are thinking differently about Architecture. So for me it's not just about the building in land, but also in water. Yeah.

Stephen Drew: Thank you very much for sharing that. Brilliant. So I think we are gonna, everyone can have their final closing thoughts.

But before we do that, I have to stress that this poll is closing today. And the information I'm getting is that once it's done. [00:49:00] So now's the time to vote. And I can see on the backstage that it's extremely close on all three counts. So are you gonna be the person that makes that difference? So maybe you will be.

So you need to vote on the person that resonates with you the most. Put them number one, and then give a second vote to the person that you think you know, it's close there and vote them second. Marion, do you have any, before we go to the la, the candidates and the hus, last final thoughts? Do you have anything to add to that?

Maryam: No, just please vote. We're gonna be closing the polls today. Just like Steven said. If you didn't get a chance to participate or, there are other ways to engage with us and hopefully with the RIBA, and I just wanna say well done to all the candidates and hopefully we get your engagement, regardless of this, that you stay engaged with the RIBA and you try and promote your views because I can see each one of you is [00:50:00] very passionate about what you do and it's very clear to me that you're definitely gonna be a voice in the future.

So I just wanted to say, that and then also hopefully let's let's see who's gonna be joining us.

Stephen Drew: Brilliant. So I'm gonna shuffle the stage one last time. So this is the final thoughts, the elevator pitch, the 60 seconds, no longer. I won't cut you off, but try to keep your 60 seconds. Paul, in a nutshell, or anyone forget ball, anyone that doesn't have a long attention span, why should they vote for you?

Candidate 02: I I believe that I've developed a good practical, grassroots initiative here locally. And I feel that can be distributed, replicated, and distributed across the uk to empower individuals to get involved with the local branch and help contribute to the grassroots based bottom up reform rather than a wholly

Stephen Drew: top down LED organization.

Well said. That was concise. [00:51:00] Paul. I'm impressed. Great. Thank you so much, Paul. You're an absolute legend and stay on the stage though, right? Louisa, final thoughts.

Candidate 01: I think it's the most important thing is to vote and to get connected and to really start making a difference. You can vote for me if you think I'm aligned with what you believe in, but I think both candidates are tremendously great and we all have different experiences, but we're all in this together.

So I'm sure that whoever wins will make a great associate representative. Aw,

Stephen Drew: isn't that sweet? Thank you and thank you Louisa. And I think

Maryam: we just getting prompts that we might be announcing who wins. So we need everyone to vote this second. After Nan Pen finishes, make sure you voted we'll.

Wait five minutes. Stephen there's a need for everyone to. To announce it on the video on the [00:52:00] live, which is quite intense. We've never done this

Stephen Drew: before. It's like X factor, the countdown. I don't actually have sound effects, we'll do a drum roll or something. So one quick thing before then.

Pin Mark says on LinkedIn, how do I access the voting link? Now, unfortunately Mark, I can't send you that link on LinkedIn because of the way they've designed LinkedIn. So you have to either manually type it or if you wanna make your life easier, I have put the comment on the young Architecture Social, YouTube.

So if you go there, you go in the chat cuz you can see the replay, you can click that link and maybe Maryam, you can type it in to the LinkedIn, who knows? But I'll put it up. It's very long. I'll see if I can put it in. If anyone types that from the screen, they get a goal staffer effort.

Cause that's a lot of numbers.

Maryam: I think I'll lo. I'll try and just quickly put it in. Okay. I'll do that. I'll put it in the comments.

Stephen Drew: We'll work it [00:53:00] out. We'll work it out. Mark asked some good questions earlier, so we will try to get that link for you. Okay. Last but certainly not least then pen, why should people vote for you?

Candidate 03: I think the unique thing about, and the strength to my contribution lies in, in representation. So I I represent not just the students which I tutor. I represent foreign educated architects, which I am. I represent a UK student, which I am. I represent an Architectural designer, which I am, so I think the strength of my contributions is in representation, and I believe representation is the starting point for.

Equality, diversity and inclusion and accessibility. That as well as the fact that we're ex, we're about to experience an educational reform for Architecture. And my contributions has led me to being a member of the education committee. And I want to add the RIBA and I want to further [00:54:00] extend those contributions at

Stephen Drew: council.

Well said. There we go. So on that note, the vote will cancel in maybe 30 seconds, so I think we can reveal in one minute. I'll give you one more minute, we'll give you one more minute. The top two winners. Okay,

Maryam: give it a few seconds and then everyone else, please can you support us with the nominations? If you're an associate member, please give us your details and help nominate these people.

And then we wanna see you out in the votes. Yeah. By the way, it doesn't stop you. Just to be devil's advocate, you can totally run for associates without the lobby. So just if you didn't like the results of this by all means you can run as long as you have your nominations and run, it's

Stephen Drew: okay.

Yeah, I agree. So [00:55:00] I've refreshed and if these results are slightly wrong, I don't think they are, but if they are, cause I know who will shout at me. Simeon, you're not here, you're traveling on the train. So let me be I'm gonna wing it and I'm gonna announce the award. So in the lead, you're all lovely, but it.

With the most fos was N pin. So n pin, we got we, we would like you to represent us. Woo. And then extremely close pH and kept changing in the background. So both of you should run, but one can only go on there. Is Mario. I want you to double check. I'm right here. That's okay. At the last pip with the check-ins was Paul.

The last minute. Yeah, you're well done

Paul.

Maryam: That's what I see as well. Louis. Louis, I just wanna

Stephen Drew: say, but ha by, by a [00:56:00] Fred, buy a vote. So I think you should run as a renegade, my opinion. So a few of you need,

Maryam: why not? I, and I like the idea of the neurodiversity, more people need to talk about that,

Stephen Drew: Yeah. Yeah. And I'm gonna say by Avo. Okay. And it was by the cool people that tuned in and you were all cool. And listen, I'm looking at you. Thank you so much. However, Louisa play ahead of a little fraction. It just shows that it's gonna be tight and I think it's gonna be very tight when.

Any or all of you run and all votes matter. So this is just a start, but let's get the conversation going cuz that's the most important thing. I think last year people didn't think change was possible and it really was. I'm so excited that there's gonna be a, at least two associates which are gonna be on the council.

That's two more votes and by as process of free of you running today, we guarantee you that. So massive congrats. Massive congrats. Thank you for all of you on the stage, Greta before [00:57:00] everyone that's turned up for participating and maram as well for helping me through this cuz you know it is. There's a lot going on and I can't do it all, maryam, I really appreciate you being here. So thank you Maryam, but Paul legend and the chickens legend. Louisa, love the neurodiversity. I want to see you go anyways. And then pen, thank you for changing over your attack midway, persevering and overcoming all odds. But I think that's it.

So I'm just gonna quickly before we last last go bring up again. The free finding principles and I think everyone should have a little think about what's important to you. They're all important, but we have encountered this cuz we live in the world, we work in office environments and we've all experienced at some point, maybe predispositioned to being maybe not included or maybe being in environments which looking back weren't that diverse, we've got a long way to go. So let's talk about [00:58:00] these principles and let's all vote and associates one quick tip. You here, you've gotta get up seven people, seven associates to give their contact details and I will give you mine, but you can also get chartered architects. I did that three years ago get going now and try to get 10.

Cuz if someone doesn't reply to their emails, then I wouldn't want you all not to be counted. But I'll

Maryam: hope we, we will be emailing you tomorrow. So just make sure that you check your

Stephen Drew: emails. Cool. Okay, I'm gonna end that live stream. Thank you all for being here. I really appreciate it. But stay on the stage, Paul Louisa and then pen.

I'm gonna end the live stream now and Maryam and you in the audience. We will see you beautiful people soon. Take care. Okay, bye-bye now.

[00:59:00]