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The AIA's Equity in Architecture Commission Releases Report

2017-01-31T12:23:00-05:00

Over the course of the last 14 months, the AIA’s Equity in Architecture Commission has grappled with how to improve and expand the organization’s commitment to increasing inclusion, equity and diversity in the discipline. Composed of architects, educators and diversity experts, the Commission was formed in 2015 to address diversity issues in architecture—a field with a significant gender gap (in the profession, not in academia), and minority underrepresentation.

“Our resolve and commitment to work toward a more diverse profession is a key value the Institute will not shy away from,” said 2017 AIA President Thomas Vonier, FAIA. “This report gives the AIA a solid framework to move closer to a more equitable and inclusive profession. In the months ahead, we look forward to implementing some of the recommendations put forth.”

The recommendations made by the Committee include:

Make equity, diversity, and inclusion a core value for the Board of Directors
Measure and report how EDI (Equity, Di...

AIA creates new Commission to further investigate equity in architecture

2015-12-17T17:45:00-05:00

Six months after the AIA voted in favor of the Equity in Architecture resolution, it looks like the organization is turning their words into actions. Most recently, they announced the establishment of the Equity in Architecture Commission, a 20-member panel of leading architects, educators, and specialized experts (whose names haven't been released) who will be in charge of investigating diversity and inclusion in the architecture profession, which — like in many other areas in American society — has long been dominated by people who identify as white and male.

The Commission's objectives include:

"Develop specific recommendations that will lead to equitable practices"
"Create measurable goals and develop mechanisms for assessing ongoing progress"
"Present a plan of action based on the Commission’s recommendations"

"Diversity and inclusion is a priority of the AIA. We have made progress, but not fast enough. The world around us is changing much faster and we can do better,' stated Elizab...