Amy Francis-Smith RIBA

Amy Francis-Smith is a multi-award-winning Disabled Architect, Inclusive Designer, and Access Consultant, currently serving as a Senior Architect at Pinnegar Hayward Design. As the outgoing Vice President of the Birmingham Architectural Association, she has dedicated her career to improving accessibility for people with disabilities in the built environment.

Recognised as a Design Council Specialist Expert in 2021, Amy provides invaluable insights on accessibility, policy, and design strategy. Her extensive experience spans sectors, including residential schemes, multi-million-pound healthcare projects and innovative access consultancy. Passionate about advocating for improved access policies, she plays a key role in the Housing Committee for the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Disability Taskforce.

Motivated by personal experiences with chronic illness, MCAS, Chron’s, EDS and hearing loss as well as witnessing loved ones struggle, Amy draws on her lived experiences to inform her work. She believes in the importance of social responsibility and actively educates students and professionals on creating inclusive environments. A strong advocate for accessible housing, she has collaborated with major organisations, including the Financial Times, Microsoft, British Council and the BBC, and frequently participates in talks and panels to amplify her message.

Amy has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including ranking sixth on the Shaw Trust’s Power 100 list in 2024. She was also shortlisted for the National Diversity Award as a Positive Disability Role Model and named a RIBAJ Rising Star in Architecture.

In her quest to inspire others, Amy emphasises the value of collaboration and diversity in design. She aims to create pathways for those entering the construction and design fields, particularly individuals with disabilities. Through her RIBA published works on diversity and activism in architecture, Amy seeks to encourage a more inclusive future, fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Her journey is a testament to resilience, and she encourages others to harness their unique experiences to drive meaningful change.