Equity in Architecture Commission
The Equity in Architecture Commission is a group of nationally recognized equity and diversity experts who lead the progress of equitable practices in architecture career development, public relations, workplace culture, and beyond.
Mission of the Equity in Architecture Commission
At the 2015 AIA National Convention, delegates adopted Resolution 15-1, “Equity in Architecture.” Later ratified by the Board, the resolution was envisioned as a call to action for both women and men to realize the goal of equitable practice to retain talent, advance the architecture profession, and communicate the value of design to society. The resolution called for the creation of a Commission on Equity in Architecture, comprised of nationally recognized experts from AIA membership, architecture schools, allied non-profit organizations, and elsewhere who have influenced the achievement of equity and diversity in their work.
Goals of the Equity in Architecture Commission
- Develop specific recommendations that will lead to equitable practices.
- Create measurable goals and develop mechanisms for assessing ongoing progress.
- Present a plan of action based on the commission’s recommendations.
Areas of focus
- Education and career development
- Marketing and public relations
- Leadership excellence
- Workplace and studio culture
- Better architecture
Equity in Architecture Commission members
William Bates, FAIA, Vice President of Architects, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group
Jorge Bermudez, President and CEO, Byebrook Group
Jan Blackman, FAIA, Executive Director, AIA Dallas
Gabrielle Bullock, FAIA, NOMA, Principal, Director of Global Diversity, Perkins+Will
Verity Frizzell, AIA, Principal, Feltz & Frizzell Architects, LLC
Linsey Graff, Assoc. AIA, Campus Planner, Ayers Saint Gross Architects
Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, chair, Senior Associate, Arrowstreet Inc.
Francis Murdock Pitts, FAIA, President, Architecture+
Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, Principal, Richter Architects
Ikhlas Soubani, PhD, Assoc. AIA, Dan/Professor, Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture
Tania Salgado, AIA, Principal, Handprint Architecture
Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, Chair and Professor, School of Architecture, Clemson University
Rosa Sheng, AIA, Senior Associate, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Steven Spurlock, FAIA, Principal, Quinn Evans Architects- DC
Lowell Tacker, AIA, Principal, LPA Inc
Dr. Gordon White, MD
Dr. Shirley Davis, PhD, President, SDS Global Enterprises, Inc.
Guest speakers
Alexis Terry, Senior Director, Diversity & Inclusion, ASAE
Candi Castleberry Singleton, Founder, Dignity & Respect, Inc.
AIA advocates year-round on key policy issues impacting architects and the built environment, far beyond a single day of action.
