Archinect - Features2024-12-25T02:24:13-05:00https://archinect.com/features/article/150120166/charlottesville-based-vmdo-sustains-the-idea-of-a-teaching-firm
Charlottesville-Based VMDO Sustains the Idea of a Teaching Firm Mackenzie Goldberg2019-02-06T09:53:00-05:00>2019-02-04T20:25:47-05:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9b/9b068372a71ba6f182d209a820889998.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Over the past few years, the field has received a growing amount of attention that has highlighted long standing <a href="https://archinect.com/features/tag/86128/labor-rights" target="_blank">labor issues</a> within the architecture industry, ranging from unsustainable pay models to <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/745557/sexual-assault" target="_blank">unwelcoming work environments</a>. Looking for an alternative, <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150078211/transparent-value-a-conversation-with-architecture-lobby-s-peggy-deamer-and-shota-vashakmadze" target="_blank">the Architecture Lobby created the Just Design Initiative</a>, which recognizes fair labor practices in architecture. Beginning with nominations submitted by employees, and followed by an evaluation process, the team looked at practices that can serve as models of a new status quo within the profession. Archinect has teamed up with the Just Design crew to profile firms across the country that meet the initiative's standards. Whether it is a family-friendly work schedule or a health coverage plan that goes above and beyond, the series spotlights practices that honor the basic rights of their employees and can serve as exemplary models of what should become standard for the field.</p>