Search
#{_Lt}#{ImageTag} class="listItem-img listItem-img_autocomplete" src="#{ImageSrc}" alt="#{ImageAlt}" width="#{ImageWidth}" height="#{ImageHeight}" /#{_Gt}
#{CategoryPrefix}#{Category}

#{Title}

#{Author}

#{Copy}

Read more about #{Title}

Black History Month: The Present

For Black History Month 2022, BDP and our EDI network, BDP Belonging, are focusing on celebrating the present, taking opportunities to highlight incredible black design talent in our practice and beyond, whilst also creating space to discuss how we can shape the future of our industry to not only be more diverse, but crucially more inclusive.

To kick off our array of internal events and initiatives, our London studio were proud to host our ‘Black History Month: The Present’ panel discussion earlier this month, moderated by Channel 4 News Sports reporter Jordan Jarrett-Bryan. We welcomed both attendees in-person in the studio, as well as live streaming the event to our other studios in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. The panel was made up of 4 inspiring people from our industry:

  • Nadia Pinto, Part II Architectural Assistant from our Manchester studio
  • TJ, Social Impact and Inclusion Lead from HB Reavis
  • Eric Nyamakye, Senior Construction Manager from Mace
  • Dian Small, Regional Director from RIBA


After an introductory keynote speech from Jordan about his lived experiences, he then led a discussion that touched on the panelists’ own career highlights, what the industry can do to be more inclusive, what part leaders have to play in cultural change, and the importance of mentoring and role models. The full video of the panel event is available below, along with some interviews with key attendees that asked more in-depth questions on the topics covered in the panel discussion.

We’re looking forward to continuing our celebration of Black History Month with a range of activities, including utilising our internal blog to showcase talented black designers, themed menus in our studios with catering facilities, and local quizzes.

BDP is also keen to ensure that the conversations, celebrations, and education that occurs this month continues throughout the rest of the year and beyond. With BDP Belonging leading the way, we will ensure that inclusivity stays at the top of the agenda, long after October is over.

Related links