COMMUNITY WORK
We develop long-lasting relationships with locally established charities and social enterprises, and we are proud to give staff the time to engage in a diverse range of outreach projects for the good of the wider community.
SCHOOL OUTREACH
We focus on initiatives where our skills can make the most difference. In London, our school outreach programme aims to improve access to careers within architecture for young people who are currently under represented in the profession, such as those from low-income backgrounds. We deliver in-school presentations and workshops, and provide ongoing support for participating students through meaningful work experience placements and mentoring.
So far, we have delivered eight workshops at local schools attended by more than 250 participants, and have hosted 12 work experience placements. Our Manchester and Wrocław studios are developing similar schools programmes.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS
Our Manchester studio is mentoring architecture students at Manchester School of Architecture as part of the RIBA Future Architects programme. As well as architectural apprentices, we take on apprentices across other sectors of the practice including IT and marketing.
We also help to place students looking for work experience within various local authorities. We look to work closely with contractors to log and track apprentices and graduates involved in our projects, ensuring that training and skills development opportunities are available throughout the supply chain.
SUPPORTING LOCAL CRAFTSPEOPLE
As part of our design process, we strive to specify goods and services that are not only sustainably sourced but support local employment, and aim to utilise local craftsmanship. We are also implementing inclusive procurement strategies more broadly across the practice to ensure we support businesses that share our values.
‘The design is VI-orientated, and the colour scheme helps massively. It’s all very inspirational; we don’t need to think of our disabilities as limitations. We can do anything we want.’
Kia, RSBC Beneficiary and Volunteer
CHARITY WORK
All three EPR studios are partnering with at least one local charity. EPR supports the Royal Society for Blind Children in its mission to empower blind and partially sighted children and young people. Working pro bono, we transformed a former underground car park in the City of London into an aspirational Life Without Limits Centre. This enables the charity to provide space for clients to meet, play, and learn essential life skills.
FUNDRAISING
Our staff organise and take part in a number of fundraising activities, from sporting events to bake sales. EPR supports those affected by the war in Ukraine through fundraising. In addition, many members of our Wrocław studio are hosting Ukrainian refugees.
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
We also look to make social contributions through our built projects. EPR delivers inclusive environments, helping to engage the local community collaboratively wherever possible and carrying out initiatives that will improve the socio-economic value of our work.
