Opinion

Why building inclusion is a fundamental part of the architect’s mission

By Pete Smith 2026-02-13T07:00:00

Marsha Ramroop Building Inclusion

As construction professionals, it is our responsibility to create a built environment in which everyone has a stake, to deliver long-term value that may come at some short-term cost, writes Pete Smith

On 20 January 2025, the 47th President of the United States of America issued executive order 14151, “ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing”. In his address, he announced that “America will be ‘woke’ no more”.

Progression should be based on merit. Why should a job go to a woman if the male applicant is better qualified? Why should it be a racialised person if the person without colour is more qualified?

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