Cultural Intelligence within Architecture Practice, ft. Marsha Ramroop

Show Notes

Cultural intelligence is not a nice-to-have for architecture practices. It affects how teams work, who feels heard and whether diversity leads to better outcomes.

Stephen Drew speaks with Marsha Ramroop about cultural intelligence in architecture practice, inclusion, diversity, organisational culture, business outcomes and how practices can build more inclusive workplaces.

The conversation covers:

• What cultural intelligence means in practice
• Why diversity without inclusion is not enough
• How inclusive cultures affect innovation and outcomes
• What architecture practices can do to start changing culture
• Why leadership has to make inclusion practical

____

▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUhRv4LjOuc

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/cultural-intelligence-architecture-practice/

Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:
https://architecturesocial.com/

The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:
https://archademia.com/architecture-social/

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.

____

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to cultural intelligence in architecture practice
• 05:43 What cultural intelligence means
• 09:22 Diversity, inclusion and better outcomes
• 13:31 Different perspectives and understanding difference
• 19:00 Why representation alone is not enough
• 24:05 Creating inclusive workplace cultures
• 28:32 Leadership, resources and commitment to inclusion
• 34:31 How architecture practices can start the journey
• 39:50 Practical steps for inclusive leadership
• 44:59 Questions about culture change in practice
• 48:46 Reflecting on long hours and healthier working habits
• 53:53 Coaching, self-reflection and accountability

Creators and Guests

Host

Stephen Drew

Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.

What is Architecture Social?

Architecture has always been social. Careers should be too.

Hosted by Stephen Drew, the Architecture Social podcast brings you honest conversations from across the UK built environment. Architects, practice leaders and the people shaping the profession talk openly about their careers, their work and how practice really runs.

Expect straight talk on salaries, portfolios, hiring, progression and running a practice, from Part 1 students looking for their first role to directors building their teams.

Architecture Social is more than jobs and hiring. It's a place to share work, discover opportunities, hear honest conversations and build connections across the industry.

This is Architecture Social. Come and be part of it.