The following are resources to strengthen Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) efforts to expand opportunities and diversity.
The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, is building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of our profession and the world’s prosperity, health, and future. Read more about racial, ethnic, and gender equity at AIA here>>
AIA Virginia Diversity Statement
Leadership in design and construction requires collaboration. Architects must encourage and celebrate
the contributions of those who bring diverse experiences, views, and needs into the design process.
Supporting Position Statements
- Civil Rights
AIA Virginia supports the promotion of human and civil rights, the universal respect for human dignity, and the unbiased treatment of all persons in employment, civic, and business transactions.
Embracing a culture of equity, all programs and initiatives of AIA Virginia and its members shall reflect the society that we serve, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical abilities, or religious practices. - Diversity
AIA Virginia recognizes that diversity is a cultural ethos – a way of thinking or acting that fosters
inclusion and enhances our membership, our profession, and the quality of life in our communities.
Embracing this culture of diversity, all programs and initiatives of the AIA and its members shall
reflect the society that we serve, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation,
physical abilities, or religious practices. AIA Virginia supports the development of policies and
programs that endeavor to ensure equal access to professional degrees in architecture for those who are underrepresented in our profession.
AIA Virginia Statement Addressing Social Injustice
Architecture is for everyone. AIA Virginia commits to making this goal a reality. As an
organization, we stand beside the people groups who have been excluded for far too long.
We commit to fostering a sense of belonging for Black, Indigenous, and other people of
color, LGBTQIA+, women, and people with diverse abilities. We stand with components
and chapters across the nation supporting the rights of many, over the privileged few.
We recognize the treacherous history of Virginia. A place where the most prominent rivers
brought enslaved Africans in 1619. A place where the mountains uplift the power and
privilege of Washington, Jefferson, and Madison. A place where the coastal wetlands
support an ecosystem of wildlife once navigated by thousands of Native peoples. A place
where the booming agriculture industry reminds us of the prominence of plantations. A
place where Loving did not always come without challenge. As Virginians, we cannot be
silent.
Our goal is that architecture becomes a discipline that applies an equitable lens to create
communities across the state. Said plainly, architecture should strategically design spaces
that reallocate resources based on history and systems. Architecture can only be for
everyone if we as architects are committed to making it happen.
Approved by the AIA Virginia Board of Directors, December 2021
Want to join AIA Virginia’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee? email Cathy Guske
RESOURCES:
- Guides for Equitable Practice The Guides for Equitable Practice, done in partnership with the University of Washington, the University of Minnesota, and The American Institute of Architects’ Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee (EQFA), are a vital part of AIA’s long-term commitment to lead efforts that ensure the profession of architecture is as diverse as the nation we serve.
- Justice in the Built Environment
- VANOMA
- NOMA’s Project Pipeline: https://noma.net/project-pipeline/
- “Where Are My People” series by Dr. Kendall A. Nicholson, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, and ACSA
- Women in Design/Architecture