Leverage: Diversity as a disruptor in construction

Emma Williamson: How did you start out in architecture and where has it taken you?

Andy Fergus: I came to architecture as an outsider, from a background studying planning. However, after working for a few years as a graduate, I found myself much more engaged with the spatial implications of policy.

It was only after volunteering with the Robin Boyd Foundation that the public advocacy aspect of design drew me back to study architecture. But my studies were mostly a source of personal frustration. I spent most of my classes debating with tutors and resisting the pressure to disregard my planning DNA in favour of form-making.

I was lucky to be taught by Rory Hyde around the time that his book Future Practice¹ was published. Rory demonstrated an expanded conception of practice where hybridity was an asset. On reflection, this gave me the confidence to pursue an alternate pathway.

Danna Walker: In the UK, construction is still quite male-dominated – we’re talking about 12–13 percent women. In architecture, you’re looking at around 29 percent (who are on the register). I’d started as an electrician, so it was something I’d seen through my entire career, and I could see it also had an impact on decision-making around the table. Who