The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk today launched the Construction Diversity Image Library, a collection of photographs for use by the media featuring diverse individuals in the construction workforce. The library will launch with an established collection of images and as part of the initiative, organizations from across the design, engineering and building industry are invited to contribute additional photographs.
In both 2019 and 2020, the annual workforce survey conducted by the AGC and Autodesk identified a steady and unfulfilled demand for more talent, with up to 80% of contractors reporting they are unable to find skilled workers. To fill the workforce gap and deliver on the growing call for more buildings, construction needs to attract and retain new talent.
The Construction Diversity Image Library provides editors and journalists with a resource to easily access imagery that showcases diversity in construction as it exists today and empowers the industry to appeal to new, diverse talent.
“The library is a valuable asset that provides media easy access to photos featuring various communities in construction,” said Jan Tuchman, editor-in-chief, Engineering News-Record (ENR). “It will help us represent diversity in our stories more generally so that hopefully more people can see a place for themselves in the industry – whether in the field, trailer or office.”
“Showing potential recruits that they will not be alone on the jobsite will make construction careers even more attractive to many people,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of The Associated General Contractors of America. “The Construction Diversity Image Library provides an invaluable tool for helping the industry recruit the kind of diverse workforce it needs to keep pace with future demand.”
To kickstart the library’s collection, Autodesk commissioned a gallery of photographs in collaboration with several AGC member firms. Autodesk will continue adding content, and other companies and associations that share a commitment to elevating diverse representation in construction are invited to add their own images to the library.
The new Construction Diversity Image Library follows on the heels of the AGC and Autodesk’s women’s safety harness grant program, and builds on a shared resolve to address workforce shortages, improve jobsite safety and boost diversity and inclusion in construction. At Autodesk University 2020, industry publications ENR and Construction Business Owner along with AGC member firms also participated in a panel discussion, “How the construction industry and media can work together to attract more diversity.”
"As the saying goes, you can't be what you can't see,” said Allison Scott, director of construction thought leadership, Autodesk Construction Solutions. “By increasing the diverse representation of construction professionals in the media, we can show that a career in construction is within reach for people who may never have considered it an option. Both Autodesk and the AGC are committed to celebrating industry diversity and encouraging more growth for the future of work in construction."
Organizations interested in contributing to the library can do so here. All submitted images are for editorial use only by media publications. If used in editorial coverage, images will be credited to the contributing organization.
To learn more about the role that initiatives such as the Construction Diversity Image Library play in supporting industry diversity and inclusion, visit the Autodesk Digital Builder blog to read an interview with Henry Nutt III, chair of the AGC's National Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee. Autodesk also offers additional resources, events and conversations for those who want to get involved in shaping the future of construction on the newly launched “Advancing the Industry” webpage.
Related Stories
Building Team | Jul 25, 2022
First Ismaili Center in the U.S. combines Islamic design with Texas influences
Construction has begun on the first Ismaili Center in the U.S. in Houston.
Building Team | Jul 20, 2022
San Francisco overtakes Tokyo as the world’s most expensive city for construction
San Francisco has overtaken Tokyo as the world’s most expensive city for construction, according to a new report from Turner & Townsend.
Libraries | Jul 20, 2022
Canada to open one of the world’s largest library and archive facilities
When it opens in 2026, Ādisōke is expected to be one of the largest library and archive facilities in the world.
Energy-Efficient Design | Jul 19, 2022
All is not lost: 3 ways architects can respond to the Supreme Court’s EPA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants dealt a significant blow to our ability to fight the climate crisis with federal policy.
Office Buildings | Jul 19, 2022
Austin adaptive reuse project transforms warehouse site into indoor-outdoor creative office building
Fifth and Tillery, an adaptive reuse project, has revitalized a post-industrial site in East Austin, Texas.
Women in Design+Construction | Jul 18, 2022
Registration is open for BD+C's 2022 Women in Design+Construction Conference
Join your AEC industry peers in Chicago, September 26-28, 2022, for the 7th annual Women in Design+Construction Conference, hosted by the BD+C editorial team and the 35-person WIDC Advisory Board.
Airports | Jul 18, 2022
FAA will award nearly $1 billion for airport projects
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award nearly $1 billion to 85 airports of all sizes across the country to improve terminals.
Building Team | Jul 18, 2022
Understanding the growing design-build market
FMI’s new analysis of the design-build market forecast for the next fives years shows that this delivery method will continue to grow, despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mixed-Use | Jul 18, 2022
Mixed-use development outside Prague uses a material made from leftover bricks
Outside Prague, the Sugar Factory, a mixed-used residential development with public space, marks the largest project to use the sustainable material Rebetong.
Building Team | Jul 15, 2022
ABC: Construction materials prices increased in June, up 20% from a year ago
Construction input prices increased 1.9% in June compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.
