EDI Resources

The following are resources to strengthen Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) efforts to expand opportunities and diversity in our profession.

AIA statement
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Architecture

Ending federal EDI programs disrupts progress toward a profession that reflects the diversity of the communities architects serve. Equity and inclusion are essential to fostering creativity, innovation, and design excellence. AIA urges the White House to align merit-based opportunities with DEI initiatives to ensure fair recognition and competition for all.

AIA champions a diverse profession as our association strengthens architects’ ability to design inclusive spaces and ensure fairness in professional opportunities. The latest AIA demographics report highlights our progress over the last decade: underrepresented racial and ethnic groups grew 5.7 points to 17.9%, and women architects rose from 16.1% to 25.7%. These gains reflect AIA’s commitment to equity and representation.

Understanding diverse human contexts is fundamental to responsive design and AIA strives to become a more representative institute in our pursuit of creating a more equitable, just, resilient, and healthy built environment. Read more about racial, ethnic, and gender equity at AIA here>>

AIA Virginia Diversity Statement
AIA Virginia Statement Addressing Social Injustice
Approved by the AIA Virginia Board of Directors, December 2021

New AIA Resources: Navigating External Forces in the AEC Sector
AIA provides members with an AEC Impact Areas Reference Tool to aid in Identifying Risks Related to External Policies, Regulations, and Market Forces. https://www.aiava.org/new-aia-resources-navigating-external-forces-in-the-aec-sector/

RESOURCES:

• *NEW* Directory of Diverse Architects
• *NEW* Inclusive Framing Language Resource>>
• Baseline on Belonging|NCARB>>
• An Investigation into Bias in the Architecture Profession>>
• NCARB by the Numbers 2024>>
• Books we recommend:
  • Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan
  • The Diversity Advantage by Ruchika Tulshyan
• AIA Guides for Equitable Practice Equitable practice is crucial because it helps identify and address structural inequities, reducing bias and oppression while promoting fairness and justice. It enhances organizational performance, fosters creativity, and attracts diverse talent, leading to a more innovative and effective built environment. Furthermore, equity-driven work can have a broader societal impact, driving positive change and improving institutional and structural systems.
• Equity 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
  • Black in Architecture
  • Hispanic & Latinx in Architecture
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander in Architecture
  • Native and Indigenous in Architecture
  • Middle Eastern and North African in Architecture
• Women in Design/Architecture
  • Richmond Women in Design (RWiD)
  • Women in Architecture (Northern Virginia)
• How to Recognize Pride Month
• Latina Architects Journey to Licensure
• The ACE Mentor Program of RVA introduces high school students to exciting careers in the architectural, construction management and engineering professions and supports their higher education goals through merit-based scholarships.

AIA Resources
The AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: Cites specific rules that support an equitable work environment:

• RULE 5.101: Members shall treat their colleagues and employees with mutual respect, and provide an equitable working environment.
• RULE 1.401: Members shall not engage in harassment or discrimination in their professional activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, disability, caregiver status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
• RULE 1.402: Members shall not engage in conduct involving wanton disregard of the rights of others.

Other links/resources

• https://www.apa.org/topics/equity-diversity-inclusion/standing-against-assault-equity-diversity-inclusion
• https://hbr.org/2024/01/dei-is-under-attack-heres-how-companies-can-mitigate-the-legal-risks
• https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-strategic-plan
• https://hbr.org/2019/08/how-multinationals-can-help-advance-lgbt-inclusion-around-the-world
• https://hbr.org/2024/11/what-trumps-second-term-could-mean-for-dei
• https://www.bloomberglaw.com/external/document/X62VIBKS000000/employment-professional-perspective-continuing-corporate-dei-in-
• https://abcnews.go.com/Business/companies-sticking-dei-amid-backlash/story?id=118037109
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/01/24/dei-under-fire-target-rolls-back-diversity-initiative-as-costco-keeps-it-heres-the-list-of-major-companies-dropping-it/
• https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NAAB/21e8eae7-e532-47c0-bff1-4111ca0d4fb0/UploadedImages/PDFs/2023_NAAB_MSI_Report.pdf
• https://sponsoredprojects.gwu.edu/federal-transition-updates-2025

Disclaimer:
These resources are intended to provide general best practices and guidelines and should not be construed as legal advice. AIA Virginia makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or applicability to specific circumstances. Members should consult their own legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations relevant to their jurisdiction and operations.