The atmosphere on construction sites leads a high proportion of architects who are openly gay in the office to conceal their sexuality when visiting site, according to a survey carried out by the Architect’s Journal.
The survey of around 300 lesbian and gay architects found that 74% were comfortable being openly gay in the office. But only 16% of gay men and women in the survey felt they could be themselves on site.
In addition, only 41% of respondents would feel they could be open about their sexuality at external meetings and industry events.
And nearly half of the architects polled said they had encountered offensive or inappropriate banter in the workplace in the past 12 months.
Responding to the survey, Professor Fionn Stevenson of Sheffield School of Architecture, told the AJ: “There are power issues at play in relation to clients – people do not want to take risks exposing their sexuality. It’s also clear that construction site culture is still far too macho.”
"There are power issues at play in relation to clients – people do not want to take risks exposing their sexuality. It’s also clear that construction site culture is still far too macho."
Professor Fionn Stevenson of Sheffield School of Architecture
The survey’s findings did not surprise Chris Edwards, client group manager covering the built environment at campaign group Stonewall. “16% means an awful lot of people who feel they have to go back into the closet, or not be themselves, when they’re on construction sites. It’s all of a piece with the lack of visibility for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in construction.
“Stonewall works with 643 companies in its Diversity Champions programme, who are all trying to develop more inclusive workplaces. But there are only two contractors – Kier and Lend Lease, along with Arup and Knight Frank [representing the built environment sector].
“We want to work with the sector to be more engaged and catch up with the work done in other sectors, such as the law firms, banks and professional services companies, to attract and retain the best talent.”
Edwards said that gay men and women working in the construction sector often contact the organisation’s information line to say they have experienced various forms of discrimination in the workplace. It’s estimated that 6% of the population and workforce is lesbian, gay or bisexual.
He welcomed a recent RICS event to celebrate diversity within the property industry and raise the profile of lesbian, gay and bisexual real estate professionals. “The RICS had a reputation of being a particularly traditional institute but is now seeing the benefits of doing this and embracing diversity,” said Edwards.
