Hoffmann selected for contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Hartford CT— 23 May 2023 — Hoffmann Architects + Engineers, a design firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, has been awarded the Construction Institute’s Special Industry Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to the industry and community, specifically honoring the firm’s work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Construction Institute’s awards program recognizes professionals whose actions strengthen the Institute and the architecture, engineering, and construction fields. The Special Industry Recognition Award honors a firm, organization, or institution, recognizing impactful actions that enrich not only the AEC industry, but also the larger community.

“Hoffmann Architects + Engineers is a trailblazer in promoting equity and inclusion in the design and construction industry,” said Nancy Greenwald, Executive Director of the Construction Institute. “The Board was impressed with the depth of Hoffmann’s commitment and actions to make the AEC industry more inclusive. Hoffmann’s many initiatives in this area evidence the kind of leadership we want to recognize. In addition, Hoffmann’s commitment to mentoring and supporting students, especially those underrepresented in our industry, is worthy of recognition through this award.”

The Special Industry Recognition Award will be presented at the Construction Institute Annual Dinner on June 8, 2023 at Saint Clements Castle & Marina in Portland, Connecticut.

Advocacy and Leadership

An active member of the Construction Institute for 30 years, Hoffmann was recognized with the Institute’s Champions of Change Award in 2021 for commitment to advancing women in the design and construction field. That same year, the firm was honored with the inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award from the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects. In April 2023, John J. Hoffmann, FAIA, founder and Executive Chairman, received the Community Kindness Heroes Award from Liberty Bank/Hartford Yard Goats, which recognizes community members who are making a difference in the space of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In awarding Hoffmann the Special Industry Recognition Award, the Construction Institute noted the active role the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee plays in the company culture, organizing team-building and service initiatives and hosting educational programs with DEI consultants. Moreover, the Institute recognized Hoffmann’s contributions to the community, particularly through the establishment of the Hoffmann Diversity Advancement Scholarship, in partnership with the Connecticut Architecture Foundation. Through this program, a promising student from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group will not only receive funds toward tuition in an architecture or engineering program, but also the opportunity for a paid internship in one of Hoffmann’s offices.

Volunteers from Hoffmann Architects + Engineers at Habitat for Humanity in Virginia.

In addition to the scholarship, Hoffmann established a pioneering Student Loan Repayment Benefit to assist employees in paying down student debt, which disproportionately impacts people of color. Other initiatives include Habitat for Humanity build days, mentorship through the ACE Mentor Program, career fairs, a staff DEI book and film club, a diversity and inclusion blog, school supply/clothing/toy drives, community service at food banks/schools/community gardens, and all-staff DEI trainings. Hoffmann team members serve in leadership roles in advocacy organizations such as the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), Women United, AIA Women in Architecture, and the Builders of Color Coalition.

A Pipeline for the Future

In a statement on social media about the award, the Construction Institute expressed their appreciation for the work Hoffmann Architects + Engineers has done to create possibilities for the next generation of AEC professionals. “The Construction Institute is pleased to award [Hoffmann] the Special Industry Award for their advocacy and leadership, in expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry, increasing representation, and fostering meaningful dialog around equity and belonging.”

ACE Mentor Program high school students with team leader mentors from Hoffmann Architects + Engineers.

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About Hoffmann Architects + Engineers

Founded in 1977, Hoffmann Architects + Engineers specializes in the rehabilitation of building enclosures. The firm’s work focuses on the exteriors of existing structures, diagnosing and resolving deterioration within facades, roofing systems, windows, waterproofing materials, plazas/terraces, parking garages, and historic and landmark structures. We provide consulting services for new construction, as well as litigation and claim support. Our technical professionals investigate and correct damage resulting from time and weather, substandard or improper construction, design defects, material failures, poor workmanship, structural movement, and stress. To learn more, visit hoffarch.com.

About the Construction Institute

The Construction Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan association of diverse professionals working to improve the industry by sharing experiences and knowledge, advancing relationships, and developing business leaders. Our members are made up of everyone – owners and facility managers, architects and engineers, contractors and subcontractors, project managers, consultants, manufacturers and distributors, governmental agencies, lawyers, accountants, and many other support services. For more information, visit construction.org.

Download a PDF of this announcement here.