The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
Judges were impressed with her infectious passion and enthusiasm. ‘Stephanie is like fireworks – this is the energy you want to see in the world,’ said one. All agreed that her example sends the powerful message that it is possible, even at the start of one’s career, to inspire others and be an agent for change.
Kyle seeks to improve design quality and experience for others by advocating for change around a topic that is often ‘brushed under the rug,’ said the judges. As a child, she was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder, which she describes as ‘dyslexia for your ears’. Channelling her experience into architecture, Kyle interprets accessibility within the built environment in its broadest sense and is leading change as a junior member of staff within her 90-strong practice, in the wider profession and at her alma mater, the University of Nottingham.
At her Maber job interview in 2019, she started by closing the blinds and adjusting the chairs to facilitate lip-reading. Hired on the spot, she was tasked with setting up an internal working group on inclusive design. Five years on, she reviews all Maber projects for compliance, has developed relevant BIM templates and checklists and leads practice-wide CPD, while also spearheading inclusive design consultancy for external projects. Last year she drafted a design guide for neurodiversity and non-visible disabilities, spoke at 10 major conferences and delivered more than a dozen inclusive design training sessions to clients, contractors and other practices. She also developed guidance for the Association of University Directors of Estates, and for RIBA-approved CPDs.
Kyle spends one day a week at the University of Nottingham, lecturing on the Part 1, 2 and 3 courses. She explains that, as a student, she ‘twisted’ all her briefs to address inclusive design because the only related teaching consisted of spending an afternoon in a wheelchair. She says that this ignores the needs of the vast majority of disabled people because only 3 per cent of people with disabilities are full-time wheelchair users.
The judges also applauded the 36-year career of another on the shortlist, HLM director Karen Mosley, who recently stepped down as MD and is now the practice’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Lead. They highlighted her championing of social justice, equity and inclusion and ability to extend ladders to those coming behind her.
Shortlisted
- Albena Atanassova, project director at Scott Brownrigg
- Stephanie Kyle, architect and inclusive design consultant at Maber Architects
- Karen Mosley, director and diversity, inclusion and belonging sponsor at HLM Architects
Judges
- Chris Hildrey, director, Hildrey Studio
- Steven McCloy, director, McCloy + Muchemwa
- Fatima Mejbil, design leader, FAUM Architecture
- Betty Owoo, senior design officer, Greater London Authority
- Clare Richards, founding director, Footwork
