The American Institute of Architects has partnered with the University of California Hastings College of the Law to release a new report that details the impacts of bias in architecture. 

The study covers the experiences, perceptions, and opinions of women, people of color, and other historically underrepresented demographic groups in the field. It examines how bias plays out in architecture, how it impacts workplace processes, and how it affects outcome measures. As stated in the institute's announcement: “AIA’s goal in conducting the study is to build awareness in firms of bias to help architects recognize and address issues that may be occurring in firms.” 

The report also offers strategies and resources that can help firms address bias in the workplace. These tools, as detailed by the AIA, are the same ones that businesses use to solve any major problem: evidence, goals, and metrics. Specifically, the AIA calls on the implementation of “Bias Interrupters,” which are adjustments firms can take to create more equitable and healthy working environments.

The study was conducted using a workplace experiences study that was completed by more than 1,340 architectural professionals. Quantitative data from the survey results was accompanied by qualitative data gathered through survey comments, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups. 

“This study is intended to start a conversation in firms to disrupt bias,” said AIA President Peter Exley, FAIA. “We recognize that these are difficult conversations, but they are necessary if we are going to make meaningful changes in the profession. This is just one more component in a broad commitment to make strides toward identifying inequities in the profession and to making it more diverse and welcoming to all people.”

The report can be accessed through the AIA website here.