National Inclusion Week 2026: Voices from Bowman Riley
National Inclusion Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the value of creating workplaces and communities where everyone feels respected, supported and able to be themselves. It encourages meaningful conversations about belonging, representation and the different experiences that shape how people interact with the world around them.
To mark National Inclusion Week 2026, we invited colleagues from across the practice to share what inclusion means to them. Their responses highlight the many ways inclusion can be understood, from embracing individuality and creating opportunities to designing accessible spaces and ensuring every voice is heard.
Madelaine Bradley – Architectural Technologist – London
“Inclusivity means to me somewhere you can bring your authentic self. Somewhere that really embraces and learns from differences to bring that community atmosphere.”
Matthew Stubbs – Architect – Leeds
“Inclusion to me is about making sure that everyone has the chance to learn, grow and achieve what they want to achieve. It’s also about creating a space that they feel comfortable enough to be themselves without judgment, so they can be their best.”
Eleanor Crosbie – Senior Architect – Skipton
“To me, inclusivity means creating spaces where our differences are valued, and everyone feels welcome. In the built environment, this means designing buildings and public spaces that are universally accessible, considerate of a wide range of needs and adaptable in the future.”
Ben Stone – Senior Architectural Technologist – Leeds
“Inclusion, to me, means being a team player and taking a vested interest in your team. Talking about their experiences, their hobbies, their favourite film and just making sure that their opinion feels valued.”
Monika Lulczynska – Architectural Assistant Part II – Skipton
“To me, inclusivity means making sure everyone feels welcome, respected and valued regardless of who they are or where they come from. It’s about creating a place where everyone feels comfortable being themselves and knowing that their voice matters.”
While each perspective is unique, a common theme emerged: inclusion is about creating environments where people feel valued, respected and able to be themselves. As National Inclusion Week comes to a close, these reflections remind us that fostering a culture of belonging is something we can all contribute to, every day.