Designing for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

WOD (Women in Office Design) in partnership with Shaw Contract UK, presents a talk by a thought-leader and expert in workplace design, Kay Sargent.

Kay is a director of HOK’s global Workplace practice and is based out of Washington DC. She will be in London for a few days and we have the honour to host her and listen to her insights and expertise in DE&I.

Talk by Kay Sargent: (followed by drinks and networking)

COVID-19 has shed new light on an age-old problem, social inequity, systemic racism, and social injustice. The build environments that we live, work and play in impacts each of us in various ways, and we can help address the issue. To truly design space that is inclusive it’s important to understand how space effects people from those various perspectives and characteristics – be that Racial - Gender - Sexual Orientation - Ethnic - Socio-economic - Age - Physical Abilities - Mental Health - Cognitive/Neural - Religious.

As design professionals we can make a difference. We need to begin with understanding that we all experiences things differently, and if we understand those nuisances, we can design environments that avoid the pitfalls while creating welcoming spaces that begin to foster social equity. We need to embrace the principles of universal design …whereas the design of buildings, products and environments are made to be accessible to all, regardless of age, disability or other factors. We can create spaces that address Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, JEDI.

Come join us in welcoming Kay to the UK and take this opportunity to listen to this expert and top-rated speaker. Also a chance to mingle with like-minded peers from the industry.