Not to mention, diversity is actually great for business. Diversity in architecture is important because it will allow architects to truly be a part of the communities they are designing for. US News projects that the minority population will rise to 56 percent of the total population by 2060. Achieving a more diverse workforce requires firms to be deliberate and take measurable actions. >>, Building Deeper Customer and Employee Relationships in Disruptive Times, Reimagine Possible: 5 Highlights From Autodesk University 2020, 5 Innovative Voices You Can Hear at This Year’s Autodesk University Conference, by Susan Etlinger, Altimeter Group Sr. Analyst. By reflecting the population, more resourceful ideas will be brought to the table. “Be visual: Pin up [ideas and information], and encourage folks to interact. Bullock also says that putting diversity and inclusion programs in place raises awareness of the issues involved. “Phil Harrison, the CEO of Perkins + Will, is an advocate of diversity and inclusion, and therefore it is one of the stated goals of the firm,” she says. New to the industry of Architecture, I was curious to learn about experiences within the industry for people of color and minority groups. Gabrielle Bullock, director of Global Diversity at Perkins + Will Architects, is more optimistic about the state and the future prospects of diversity and inclusion in architecture. Being interested in and passionate about social justice, I felt it was important to share these experiences with my peers regardless of the status quo. Ford’s assessment is backed up by the respondent pool of the 2016 Equity by Design survey, which found not only a gender disparity in almost every category but also reflected the profound lack of racial diversity in architecture. Blacks and Hispanics are not found only in support roles but are gaining leadership positions. We are an evolving, collaborative network of individuals in the architecture profession. These architects will be able to raise awareness of important community issues. New ideas and visions could improve the architecture environment and inspire others to get into this profession. And if you're looking for a unique group of architects, then consider us at Designblendz. With more diversity, we will see more innovation in architecture from perspectives that have never been heard before. This immense gap woke up Ford to how few fellow African American architects there were—not only in Detroit but also in the country as a whole. Encourage ‘leading up’: Everyone should feel empowered to be the leaders they are, not feel like they have to pay their dues or fit into a certain mold.”, Ford says exposure to the architecture profession needs to occur early in minority communities. “You hire what you know,” she says. Only 18% of women and 9% of ethnic minorities account for currently licensed architecture professionals. However, if the architecture world actively works to improve this diversity gap, then we would so many benefits as a result. Right now, 1 out of 5 women would tell another woman to not even try becoming a licensed architect. “There are more women and minorities going into … So much good can come from architecture when different cultures are recognized. Once diversity and inclusion becomes a stated goal, you can develop an action plan that can be measured and assign accountability. There will be people who can actually speak for those who aren't heard, which will decrease the negative impact of the building process. Meaning, architecture firms will be more successful if they include more women and ethnic minorities. “If we narrow our view, our process, or our ability to see, hear, or discover the multiple layers inherent in every project, we risk our relevance.”, Bullock agrees: “If we cannot connect, understand, and be a part of the community we are serving, how can we design for that community?”. Wellington-based practice Tennent Brown Architects is a Pākehā-led practice … “You don’t have to check your culture at the door,” he says. By awarding diversity, these role models will only encourage students to follow their dreams and passions. Data from the AIA Diversity Survey and from NCARB suggests that this is fairly representative of the level of diversity that exists within the field.”, Gabrielle Bullock, director of Global Diversity at Perkins + Will Architects, is more optimistic about the state and the future prospects of diversity and inclusion in architecture. Plus, diversity in backgrounds can actually bring new creativity to the design table. “Women in the profession are no longer immediately assumed to be the administrative staff. Let our team build a custom solution for your business or organization. A community-minded development provides advocates for minorities when major decisions are being made. “Architecture is about problem-solving, about being able to understand our clients as best as we can to propel them to their highest aspirations,” she says. It can allow professionals to get to know and connect with minority groups, which is much needed. Proudly developed by Designblendz. This was in inner-city Detroit, where 85 percent of the population is African American. More resources will encourage young people to join architecture, no matter their gender or ethnicity. Bullock warns that the historic lack of diversity in architecture can be a self-perpetuating cycle that reinforces unconscious biases. People will have a better perception of architecture as a profession if they see people in it who look like them and represent them at the table.”, Diversity is good for business. Racial and ethnic diversity in architecture is incrementally improving at the early stages of the profession. “The profession has never been highly desirable to black communities because it is associated with the environmental injustices we have faced for decades. The Importance of Diversity in Architecture. “Bring it with you. diversity in architecture education and practice. 4001 Main Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127. Mike Ford—a forward-thinking designer dubbed the “hip-hop architect”—didn’t meet an African American architect until his fourth year as an undergraduate architecture student at the University of Detroit Mercy. Hi, we're the Designblendz team! More creative solutions could change the architecture world in a positive way. Asperin encourages architecture firms to “create cultures that imbue inclusivity.” “Culture is what you see and feel when you walk in your studio or firm,” she says. He also says that it’s one thing to make a presentation at a middle school or a high school once, but it’s another to have continued contact with different communities. Diversity in Architecture. A community-minded development provides advocates for minorities when major decisions are being made. Companies with diverse executive boards have a 95% higher return on equity than those who don't. “Black communities have routinely been uprooted and have been the predominant victims of eminent domain because they’ve had no advocate at the table,” he says. “If the people you work with don’t understand what unconscious bias is, for example, they’re liable to continue it,” she says. Firms can remain relevant, foster innovation, come up with better solutions for the communities they serve, and improve their bottom line by taking concrete steps to create a culture that fosters diversity in architecture. Decades later, Ford, now a principal at BrandNu Design, is blending the out-of-the-box ethos of hip-hop with architecture and community planning. Architecture. So, no matter who you are in the architecture world, let's all do our best to foster diversity in architecture today. Recognize that many architects are introverts: Pause and make eye contact with everyone in the room, and invite them into the conversation. These benefits include: Diversity in architecture is important because it will allow architects to truly be a part of the communities they are designing for. Bullock says that it’s important to get the leadership of a firm on board, pointing to her own workplace. If more diversity is seen in architecture, then the general public will have a better perception of the architecture world. Asperin, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, is committed to helping the profession pivot from having leadership that is predominantly male and white to leadership that more accurately reflects the nation’s demographics—especially as the American population continues to become more diverse. Plus, those immersed in the culture will be able to come up with better solutions for the communities they serve overall. These architects will be able to raise awarene… The RIBA is committed to making architecture and the broader construction industry more inclusive and believes a diverse and inclusive profession, representative of the societies our members work within, is pivotal to meeting the challenges of the future faced by our profession. Although the demographics have become more diverse in the last decade, says Tania Salgado, FAIA, former chair of the AIA Diversity and Inclusion Council and co-founder and principal of Denver-based Handprint Architecture, “much work remains to be done.”. It can allow professionals to get to know and connect with minority groups, which is much needed. He’s working on a design for the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx and hopes to help make architecture relevant to a wider, and more diverse, audience. Architecture affects the lives of everyone in a community. Bullock echoes this point: “A firm will be more financially successful if it has more women and people of color as part of its workforce.”. Copyright 2020. By focusing on diversity and different visions, we will create a built environment that has never been seen before. In the rapidly changing social and cultural landscape, architecture needs to quickly break out of its own demographic bubble in order to adapt and be relevant to the community. We believe this requires a cultural shift in the Institute, in our workplaces, and in ourselves. However, not much has changed since he was in school: “The current state of diversity and inclusion in architecture is very dismal,” he says. The lack of African Americans as decision makers in shaping their communities has also led to a distrust of architects. “Diversity and inclusion does not happen by itself,” Bullock says. 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