Why Architects Should Be ‘ALL In’ for Diversity

The profession would benefit from a workforce with a representative range of backgrounds and experiences, says National Organization of Minority Architects president Kimberly Dowdell.

1 MIN READ

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It’s no secret that the demographics of the design profession starkly contrast those of the general population. For example, 2 percent of licensed architects identify their race or ethnicity as African-American and 90 percent identify as white, not Hispanic or Latinx, according to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Among the general population, these numbers are 13 percent and 61 percent, respectively, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

So what is the design community doing to align itself more with the country?

Kimberly Dowdell

Kimberly Dowdell

In this podcast episode, ARCHITECT speaks with NOMA president Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, about the importance of representation in architecture, whether success in the profession is truly based on merit, and her ALL (Access, Leadership, and Legacy) platform to effect change throughout the design profession, from the talent pipeline to firm succession. The conversation further explores issues discussed in Dowdell’s January 2019 Opinion piece, “The Complexion of Legacy in Architecture.”

Episode 30: Why Architects Should Be ALL In for Diversity, featuring Kimberly Dowdell, is also available on SoundCloud and on iTunes.

This podcast episode was produced by Wanda Lau, Lauren Honesty, and Daniel Tayag.

About the Author

Wanda Lau

Wanda Lau, LEED AP, is the former executive editor of ARCHITECT magazine. Along with 10 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction management, she holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Michigan State University, an S.M. in building technology from MIT, and an M.A. in journalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. Her work appears in several journals, books, and magazines, including Men's Health, ASID Icon, and University Business. Follow her on Twitter.

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