EQUITY. DIVERSITY. INCLUSION. JUSTICE.

We are committed to broadening equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice to create a stronger profession

Mission

As part of the global community, the American Institute of Architects champions a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice within the profession of architecture to create a better environment for all.

Achieving and upholding this vision has a direct impact upon the relevance of our profession and the world's prosperity, health, and future.

Our Vision

Our chapter is aligning with AIA National’s effort to advance these issues in the following ways:

●      Dismantle barriers within all AIA systems: programs, policy, governance, honors and awards, internal policies, vendor selection, hiring/retention, and any business practices that intentionally or unintentionally contribute to injustice and exclusion.

●      Expand inclusiveness and diversity within the profession by engaging with K-12 and higher education outlets to advocate for, establish and promote effective pathways into the profession. Expand the participation of racially and ethnically diverse populations, women and other underrepresented groups.

●      Conduct training, enhance education and knowledge dissemination, and increase the number of high-quality resources for the Board, staff, volunteers, and members.

AIA San Diego’s President, Executive Officers, and Board of Directors stand beside the Institute in our commitment to address issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice. We recognize that as architects, we are part of the intellectual community that can help confront barriers, shed light on inherent biases, and provide solutions to help improve the communities in which we live. 

Our Values

As a member-based organization, we believe that we are stronger together – a collaborative network of designers and architects representing different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. We believe our work can and should help foster a more equitable, fair, objective, just and sustainable environment for all. 

We are committed to facilitating conversations around the following topics to advance progress and catalyze positive change in our communities:

• Racial Justice – as it relates to design, policy, the workplace, and our profession            

• Mentorship – to share intellectual resources with the architects of tomorrow and cultivate and implement programs which diversify the field

• Equity by Design – to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in a holistic design approach that considers topics around ethnicity, race, gender, orientation and identity

• Supporting Diversity – within and beyond our organization, in our respective workplaces, and communities

• Environmental Justice – supporting a sustainable tomorrow for our families and communities 

Our Commitment

AIA San Diego’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice issues is exemplified in the following efforts, initiatives, and action items: 

1. Embedding a focus on EDI+J issues and goals into our Strategic Plan, programs, and events

2. Creation of an EDI+J Director seat on our Board of Directors to champion these ideas and integrate the effort throughout all committees, events, programs, and services

3. Participating in EDI+J programs at the national level and sharing knowledge, insights, and feedback with AIA San Diego’s Board of Directors, members, and our partners

4. Implementing programs which build upon the EDI+J momentum that AIA National has begun and which promote the EDI+J vision at the local level

5. Collaborating with other organizations such as the National Organization of Minority Architects to share and promote EDI+J ideas and resources. To this end, AIA San Diego has created an ex Officio position on its Board of Directors for a representative of SD NOMA.

AIA San Diego’s Board of Directors, Committees, and Members hereby pledge to promote these values and ideals in the profession.