The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the University of Minnesota announced the signing of an agreement to develop “Guides for Equitable Practice.”
“The AIA and the University of Minnesota have been developing this partnership for some time because our profession, like others, is not immune from discrimination and harassment by some of our colleagues in a variety of positions of power," said Renée Cheng, FAIA, DPACSA. “This guide will help firms avoid some of those mistakes and bring their internal operations more in line with the diverse clients and communities they serve.”
Based on the recommendations from the AIA Equity in Architecture Commission Report, the guides will provide architects and firms with guidance on best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, and how those values can be a part of any architectural practice. They will address such issues as career progression, work culture, leadership development, pay equity, talent recruitment and more. Topics under work culture include attention to specific areas such as professional ethics and sexual harassment.
“Though these guides will serve as a vital resource for underrepresented and marginalized architects, it’s our hope they will be an asset to the entire profession will utilize,” said Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, 2018-2020 AIA At-large Director and Chair of the Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee. “We’re moving toward a more equitable profession and these guides will help us get there.”
The Guides for Equitable Practice will be developed and implemented in three phases, with each phase focusing on three to four chapters of the guidebook. The first phase is planned for completion in late 2018 with subsequent phases and their chapters released every six to eight months.
Development of the guidebook will be a collaborative effort. Cheng leads the University of Minnesota team, which includes Andrea Johnson and Nancy Alexander. AIA Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee will contribute to project leadership and become a critical part of the review process. Cheng, recently named dean of the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments, will continue to lead the guides project at the University of Minnesota through the end of 2018.
The AIA Equity in Architecture Commission, a panel of leading architects, educators, and diversity experts, was formed to address concerns about disproportionate demographics among those in the profession. The Commission's work ended after it identified the root causes for the lack of diversity and inclusion and offered recommendations on how to address those issues.
As part of other efforts to build a more inclusive profession, the AIA also issued a statement today on the Institute's values, specifically addressing the issue of sexual harassment.
Related Stories
Hotel Facilities | Jul 28, 2022
As travel returns, U.S. hotel construction pipeline growth follows
According to the recently released United States Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total U.S. construction pipeline stands at 5,220 projects/621,268 rooms at the close of 2022’s second quarter, up 9% Year-Over-Year (YOY) by projects and 4% YOY by rooms.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2022
Hurricane-resistant construction may be greatly undervalued
New research led by an MIT graduate student at the school’s Concrete Sustainability Hub suggests that the value of buildings constructed to resist wind damage in hurricanes may be significantly underestimated.
Market Data | Jul 21, 2022
Architecture Billings Index continues to stabilize but remains healthy
Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in June, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Market Data | Jul 21, 2022
Despite deteriorating economic conditions, nonresidential construction spending projected to increase through 2023
Construction spending on buildings is projected to increase just over nine percent this year and another six percent in 2023, according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
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.
Market Data | Jul 1, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending slightly dips in May, says ABC
National nonresidential construction spending was down by 0.6% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Market Data | Jun 30, 2022
Yardi Matrix releases new national rent growth forecast
Rents in most American cities continue to rise slightly each month, but are not duplicating the rapid escalation rates exhibited in 2021.
Market Data | Jun 22, 2022
Architecture Billings Index slows but remains strong
Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in May, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Building Team | Jun 17, 2022
Data analytics in design and construction: from confusion to clarity and the data-driven future
Data helps virtual design and construction (VDC) teams predict project risks and navigate change, which is especially vital in today’s fluctuating construction environment.
Market Data | Jun 15, 2022
ABC’s construction backlog rises in May; contractor confidence falters
Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to nine months in May from 8.8 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted May 17 to June 3. The reading is up one month from May 2021.
