Dian Small ’s unique perspective on Architecture goes beyond designing buildings; she focuses on the interactions between people within the spaces that the architecture creates. As Regional Director of RIBA London, Dian serves as a catalyst for communication that positively influences + motivates the way we engage + interact with each other—professionally + personally.
Location: London, England
1. Beverage of choice?
Stones Ginger wine + ice.
2. What are you best known for?
My (often blatant) honesty.
Connecting people together.
3. How did we meet?
You reached out to me via email asking to meet up to discuss diversity in architecture. I forwarded you to our Diversity + Inclusion Manager but you swiftly replied + said ‘Thanks- but I also specifically want to meet you!’
4. How did you get here?
I am an architect by profession. After qualifying, I left the UK to fulfill my dreams of being an architect living in the Caribbean. However, after almost twenty years of doing just that (the last ten years being a director/owner in a practice with two others), I wasn’t happy anymore. So, I had a three-way conversation with me, myself + I. “We” realized that I may be at the top of the ladder, but just perhaps the ladder is against the wrong wall. So, I took a leap of faith into the unknown + …I Quit!
Then followed months of constructive beach time. In an ocean of salty tears, with waves of self-reflection, evaluation + whist being brutally honest with myself I discovered my strengths + a new path emerged which I branded LIVING IRIE. I used my strengths + past experiences to coach +create courses for architects in communication, confidence building + collaboration.
I returned to the UK for what was supposed to be only six months. A relative passed me an advert for a coordinator role at The RIBA. At the end of the interview I was asked “What did I really think of the RIBA?” Well….I couldn’t help it….I was blatantly honest! The next day, I was told that I didn’t get the job I was interviewed for - but they asked me to submit a fresh application for the role of RIBA London Regional Director. I recall at second interview stage, I saw the other candidates – white, male, grey suits, grey hair who looked like they had been directing all sorts of stuff for years! Initially I was intimidated, but I told myself that they asked me to be here! They need me! + nearly 4 years later, I’m still here!
5. What are you compensated to do (job)?
Officially, as Director of RIBA London my role is to direct + manage a team to delivers professional programs that serves + connects the RIBA members on a local level. London is rich in culture and diversity, + my aim is to bring all of that and more into RIBA London. I want to make the RIBA accessible to everyone. For me, it’s about connecting people by the vibrant + colorful thread called architecture. I want to create a place where I would have appreciated and valued as a black, female student studying architecture. A place which connected, valued, supported, celebrated + represented me + others. Small successes since I’ve been in my role I have been:
Celebrating International Women’s Day, Conceptualizing an informal learning and networking series of events called ‘Small Talks’. The first theme was ‘International’ where members shared experience and projects of working in different cultures (the learning element) with cultural food, drinks and music (the networking element). Celebrating the next generation of Black architects; and doing the ‘Candy’ dance at the RIBA London end of year social. My most outstanding achievement to date is masterminding the RIBA “Afrofuturism” Gala supporting the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust which raised over 115,000 Pounds.
There is still a long way to go to make the RIBA + the architectural profession relevant, diverse + a reflection of today’s society. It defiantly is hard work! And we all must play a part to make this happen …But small successes and celebratory mile markers along the way makes the journey a lot more exciting!
6. What do you like to do?
Sleep!... I do my best work in my sleep
7. Can you suggest a book?
The Alchemist: It’s so insightful each time you read it.
8. What is the best lesson you have taught someone?
To trust in the unknown.
9. Where do you go to find inspiration?
In my dreams….(more sleeping).
10. Favorite city + why?
I’m not sure that I’m a city person anymore. However, I’m enjoying rediscovering the London vibe and its architecture. (One of the perks of my job includes visiting all the RIBA London award shortlisted buildings) I am intuitively aware of how architecture effects the experience of how people move through space and the city. I recently went to Barcelona + fell in love with the social story of its architecture and its architects and how the city just embraces the environment. I’m en-route to Paris - I’m excited to discover how I experience Paris.
My most favorite place in the world is any beach where the sand is golden and the water is crystal clear and the only building in sight is ….. a beach shack with a hammock in it- of course!
11. What is your fondest memory?
My first trip to the Caribbean. It was there that I made the connection between space, buildings, environment, people + most importantly the experience of living amongst it all. I knew then at 10 years old that it was my purpose to enhance the connection between those elements – I just didn’t know that it was called architecture.
12. What advice would you give to future generations?
The world is changing so fast- your ‘job’ most probably hasn’t been created yet so don’t be so hard on yourself. Discover what you enjoy doing, + do it! Even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone (sometimes not even you) + when you stop enjoying it-- go discover something else to enjoy. Trust in the unknown + enjoy the journey! +always treat everything with love + respect: Yourself- Others-Your environment!
13. What would you tell your younger self?
The same as above. Also, property prices will not be affordable in the future so buy that apartment! (Regrettably I didn’t take note of that memo).
14. Who mentored you and what did they teach you?
1993 was the year Stephen Lawrence was murdered. It was also the year I ‘failed’ part of my first degree. I was a broken + was going to quit! But then my visiting tutors (my Godfathers of architecture) scooped me up, brought me into their office, literally tied me to the drawing board. They had taped a newspaper article of Stephen Lawrence on the desk with a message that read: “He will never be able to fulfill his dream of becoming an architect – You can + you will!”
I spent the next 8 years being mentored by Turner Woolford Sharp Architects.
15. Message in a show or film that resonated with you. What was the film, what was the message?
Sex and the City: Carrie Bradshaw “But the most exciting, challenging + significant relationship of all is the one you have with Yourself. + if you can find someone to love the you that you love. Well, that’s just fabulous!”
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