2024
DIVERSITY IN DESIGN
BURSARY + PRIZES
We believe diversity ignites innovation in design. The Diversity in Design Bursary and Micro Prizes work to break down the barriers to entering the architectural profession for underrepresented ethnic minority students in the United Kingdom.
Year Out Bursary
Eligibility
Underrepresented ethnic minority students enrolled in a UK educational institution who are currently in their final year of a RIBA-accredited Part I architecture programme are eligible to apply*
Underrepresented ethnic minority students enrolled in a UK educational institution who are currently in their final year of a RIBA-accredited Part I architecture programme are eligible to apply*
Awards
£10,000 Bursary and consideration for a paid, year-out placement.
£10,000 Bursary and consideration for a paid, year-out placement.
Apply Online
Applicants for the bursary must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM GMT on 1 March 2024.
Applicants for the bursary must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM GMT on 1 March 2024.
*Current employees, recent former employees, and interns of Gensler, as well as their immediate families and those Gensler deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate.
Submission Requirements for Year Out Bursary
Complete an online application which includes:
CV
A Letter of Recommendation from a Head of School, Dean, Chair, or Faculty member of the architecture programme. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and describe their professional excellence.
Complete the Design Challenge — see directions below.
Portfolio | One advanced-level architecture project with written description (500 words and 10 pages, maximum). Work done with a single partner may be submitted, but it must include a description of the applicant’s specific contribution and a letter of support from the applicant’s collaborative partner.
Finalists will be invited to submit a digital video that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work — see directions below.
Design Challenge
Please Note: The Design Challenge is only required for the Tuition Scholarship applicants.
Sketch
Answer one of the four prompts below with a sketch
Explain
Write a brief explanation to describe your sketch
Upload
Upload it, along with your resume, portfolio, and letter of recommendation
As Designers How Can We...
01
Reestablish trust in public safety?
We all want to get back to a more familiar life. And we want to be safe. How can we rethink everyday experiences to address our most pressing health concerns?
02
Rethink housing to address the homelessness crisis?
The housing crisis cuts at the very heart of what makes cities successful and vital. To change this course, we need to develop innovative and inclusive housing solutions.
03
Reimagine ways for designers to make a difference?
We’re looking for meaningful, creative, impactful, and bold ideas that are intentional in the ways they make a difference for all people.
04
Design for racial equality and inclusiveness in our practice, communities, and cities?
This is our opportunity to explore current issues facing minority communities and how design can be a catalyst for change.
Finalist Interviews
Gensler will review submissions for the Year Out Bursary and select several finalists to be invited for an interview that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work. Based on these interviews, we will select one or more winners to receive a bursary.
Winners and finalists may also be considered for a paid year-out placement or internship at Gensler’s London office, where they will be paired with a Gensler mentor who will serve as a resource during the year-out placement and ensuing academic year.
Winners and finalists may also be considered for a paid year-out placement or internship at Gensler’s London office, where they will be paired with a Gensler mentor who will serve as a resource during the year-out placement and ensuing academic year.
2024
MICRO
PRIZES
Micro Prizes
Eligibility
Underrepresented ethnic minority students enrolled in an architecture programme at a UK-educational institution are eligible to apply*.
Underrepresented ethnic minority students enrolled in an architecture programme at a UK-educational institution are eligible to apply*.
Awards
(5+) Micro-prizes of various amounts ranging from £500 - £2,500
(5+) Micro-prizes of various amounts ranging from £500 - £2,500
Apply Online
Applicants for the prize must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM GMT on 1 March 2024.
Applicants for the prize must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM GMT on 1 March 2024.
*Current employees, recent former employees, and interns of Gensler, as well as their immediate families and those Gensler deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate.
Submission Requirements for Micro-Prizes
Complete an online application which includes:
CV
A Letter of Recommendation from a Head of School, Dean, Chair, or Faculty member of the programme. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the academic criteria and describes their professional excellence.
Essay Question, 500 words maximum
What do you see as the greatest value an architect can bring to their community or beyond?
How would you play a role in making this happen?
