‘We must amplify the value of Dyslexia by going over, under or smashing through existing barriers’ (Durham & Choi, 2024)
Whilst people with Dyslexia face challenges often in reading, writing, and spelling, they also possess unique cognitive strengths that can enhance creativity. ‘It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.’ (British Dyslexia Association, 2023.)
Many dyslexic individuals excel in visual thinking, problem-solving, and innovative ideas, making them naturally creative and perfectly aligned with the strengths that are required to become an architect. ‘Dyslexia has been revealed to enhance people’s ability to discover, invent and create. It has even been described as a superpower.’ (Castle, 2022) It’s commonly believed that the condition often goes hand-in-hand with great creativity. When you consider that a list of famous dyslexics includes Beatles legend John Lennon, movie star Keira Knightly and artist Pablo Picasso, there is little doubt that there is some truth in this.’ (SEO, 2022)
‘People with dyslexia also often demonstrate heightened creativity – visualising, connecting and delivering unusual combinations of ideas and innovative thinking. This explains why people with dyslexia are drawn to professions such as architecture, engineering and entrepreneurism.’ (Taylor & Vestergaard, 2022)
In ‘Inclusion Emergency’ (2024), a book written about diversity in Architecture, Darren Bray and Rob Hyde partake in an interview discussing their experience of being dyslexic in the architectural profession and how the neurological condition can lead to an enriched, positive output.
‘I’d say that we’re very, very good at adapting to changes in context and that we can adapt and act extremely quickly too. Our neurodiverse brain is very good at thinking about a million things and opportunities at once!’ (Bray, 2023)
‘I have always instinctively understood complex issues and how to intervene’ (Hyde, 2023)
Designers and architects with dyslexia bring fresh perspectives to the field. Big-picture thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and firsthand experience of neurodiversity are invaluable for inclusive representation in the designed built environment. Architects with dyslexia, who design with consideration to Neurodiversity have a positive impact on diverse future users and inhabitants of space. ‘The success and future of architectural practice, will be defined by young people who have a unique set of experience’s, that will give rise to a positive impact on the built environment and beyond!’ (Bray, 2025)
References
Bray, D. (2025). On the journey of promoting professionalism The positive influence of dyslexia – Studio : B.A.D. Architects. Studiobad.co.uk. https://studiobad.co.uk/on-the-journey-of-promoting-professionalism-the-positive-influence-of-dyslexia-2/
British Dyslexia Association. (2023, November 13). About dyslexia – British Dyslexia Association. British Dyslexia Association. https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia
Castle, H. (2022, October 5). Why architecture is starting to recognise dyslexia as an enhanced ability rather than a learning difficulty. Www.ribaj.com. https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/dyslexia-enhanced-ability-creativity-inventiveness
Durham, H., & Choi, G. (2024). Inclusion Emergency. Routledge.
SEO, A. (2022, August 23). Dyslexia And Creativity As A Superpower – SENsational Tutors. SENsational Tutors. https://www.sensationaltutors.co.uk/dyslexia-and-creativity-as-a-superpower/
Taylor, H., & Vestergaard, M. D. (2022). Developmental Dyslexia: Disorder or Specialization in Exploration? Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889245
Figures
Figure 1: Architectural special design process https://thearchitectsdiary.com/should-i-study-interior-design-or-architecture/
Figure 2 : Famous people with dyslexia https://www.bayhillhs.org/learning-differences/the-importance-of-dyslexic-thinkers/
Figure 3: Strengths of people with dyslexia https://www.thedyslexiaclassroom.com/blog/how-to-support-dyslexic-students-self-confidence
Figure 4: Darren Bray https://absnet.org.uk/team/karl-ramirez/
