Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
RIAI Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The RIAI’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is reflected in its core values of integrity, inclusiveness, innovation, responsiveness and transparency.
The RIAI respects and promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in the RIAI, and promotes these values in architectural practice, architectural education and the broader construction industry.
The RIAI recognises and values the difference in those its represents, employs and works with. It strives to create a culture of inclusion, mutual respect and opportunity.
The RIAI believes that its success and the success of the profession is based on recognising, valuing and taking account of people’s different characteristics, backgrounds, knowledge, skills and experiences. We work to encourage and use those differences to create a better workplace, profession and society.
The RIAI respects and promotes equity, diversity and inclusion by:
- Treating everyone fairly;
- Respecting and recognising people as individuals;
- Participating in public life so that issues of universal design are considered in forming an environment that can be accessed and understood by all regardless of their ability;
- Ensuring equal access to opportunities for members, staff and all those who use RIAI services;
- Creating an inclusive and supportive environment where members and staff can develop to their full potential;
- Carrying out our representative, educational and registration functions without bias, in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner;
- Making reasonable adjustments to ensure that our procedures do not put any person at a disadvantage; and
- Ensuring our policies, procedures and processes promote equality, inclusion and diversity.
RIAI Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
As the professional and regulatory body for Architects in Ireland, the RIAI recognises that equity, diversity and inclusion are important values that underpin a healthy and successful profession and foster inclusive values for society.
In July 2024, RIAI Council approved the establishment of an EDI Taskforce to review existing RIAI EDI Policy and the Terms of Reference for that Taskforce were approved by Council in October 2024. The Taskforce held its first meeting in February 2025. This new RIAI EDI Policy, which has been drafted by the members of the EDI Taskforce, provides guidance to the RIAI for the establishment and ongoing maintenance of high standards of EDI practices in all its activities. In addition, it provides support and guidance to the RIAI Membership in the delivery of equity, diversity and inclusion actions in architectural practice, in architectural education and in the broader stakeholder network.
The new RIAI EDI Policy aligns with the RIAI’s strategic priorities. In its approval of the Policy, RIAI Council acknowledges that achieving the objectives set out in the Policy will require ongoing reflection, practical action and collaboration across the profession and, in that regard, RIAI EDI Policy should evolve on an on-going basis as new challenges and opportunities emerge.
