{"id":745298,"date":"2024-06-21T15:15:52","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T14:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=745298"},"modified":"2024-06-24T08:57:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T07:57:28","slug":"inclusive-design-consultant-named-aj100-change-maker-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/inclusive-design-consultant-named-aj100-change-maker-of-the-year","title":{"rendered":"Inclusive design consultant named AJ100 Change-maker of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Judges were impressed with her infectious passion and enthusiasm. \u2018Stephanie is like fireworks \u2013 this is the energy you want to see in the world,\u2019 said one. All agreed that her example sends the powerful message that it is possible, even at the start of one\u2019s career, to inspire others and be an agent for change.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Kyle seeks to improve design quality and experience for others by advocating for change around a topic that is often \u2018brushed under the rug,\u2019 said the judges. As a child, she was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder, which she describes as \u2018dyslexia for your ears\u2019. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u2018twisted\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shortlisted<\/h3>\n