Implementing the Guides for Equitable Practice

The AIA Guides for Equitable Practice make the moral, business, ethical, and societal cases for equitable practice in the profession of architecture. They provide key insights to hear insights on how the guides can change firm culture and create an environment that nurtures retention and inspires limitless thinking. In this course, participants will discover recommendations on how to achieve goals found within the Guides through utilization in practice and as a resource in connecting these goals with the work of their firm/organization.

1 LU | Elective
Free

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Download the Guides for Equitable Practice

Learning objectives

  • Explain why goals and motivations play an important role in equity, diversity, and inclusion work.
  • Compare and contrast equity as an input with diversity as an output
  • Utilize the AIA Guides as a resource by using a variety of strategies to engage the material
  • Navigate through multiple AIA Guides to better understand a single complex issue
  • Connect the work of their firm with goals or prompts in the Guides

The presenter

Renée Cheng, FAIA

Renée Cheng was named dean of the College of Built Environments in January 2019. Previously, Cheng served as head of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota.

Cheng is a leader in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and advocates for equity in the field of architecture and in the practices related to the built environment. Recently, Cheng led the research effort for the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice.

Known for her pedagogical skill in designing classes and programs that empower students and integrate practice with academia, Cheng has twice won the AIA Practice Leadership Award. She has been named one of the top 25 most admired design educators in the U.S. by DesignIntelligence and an Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Distinguished Professor and was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows.

A licensed architect, her professional experience includes work for Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners and Richard Meier and Partners before founding Cheng-Olson Design.

Guide For Equitable Practice Supplement on Justice

Posted on by cguske

“In relation to the built environment, justice is about how the rights and benefits of spaces, places, and resources are distributed in design and occupancy; how past injustice can be repaired and healed, and balance restored; and what the processes are for ensuring fair resolution of injustices.”

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) latest Guide For Equitable Practice supplement on Justice has been published.

Download

Justice in the Built Environment >

Access additional topics found in the Guides for Equitable Practice >

Justice in the Built Environment executive summary >

Guides for Equitable Practice

Posted on by cguske
“Guides for Equitable Practice” are now publicly available on AIA’s website.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the University of Minnesota are continuing efforts to shape architecture firm culture by publicly releasing “Guides for Equitable Practice”.

AIA sponsored the development of the guides to help educate architects and firms on best practices for equity, diversity and inclusion principles and to provide strategies for incorporating the values into architectural practice.

“Every day, architects solve critical challenges in society through design and advocacy of the built environment,” said AIA Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee Chair Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA. “We know there’s more work to be done to shape the profession to be more equitable and accessible. These guides frame the conversation and provide actionable items for individuals, firms, and allies. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of our profession and our work.”

The guides were developed using current research on gender, race, and culture in the U.S. and include perspectives from architects on what equity, diversity, and inclusion mean. 

Topics included in the first three chapters of the guides explore intercultural competence, workplace culture, and compensation within firms. Subsequent sets—due out later this year—will address career progression, talent recruitment, leadership development, and community engagement.

“Guides for Equitable Practice” are one component of the AIA ’s broad commitment to work with members to overcome inequities and advance the profession.

Learn more about AIA’s equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives online.  – aia.org –