EXHIBIT 2021 ︎

Diversity by Design:
Equity in Architecture

AIA Seattle’sDiversity Roundtable’s Diversity by Design has exhibited the works ofunderrepresented architects since 2013. From its early inception theexhibit has been a travelling display of local and Northwest Regional partnersthat featured individuals and businesses whose work in architecture reflectsthe inclusive spirit that has energized the Roundtable since its origins in1986. With the intention of encouraging current and future generations toexplore and manifest the power of diversity in their design careers, theexhibit is still relevant today. Despite people of color making up 45% ofearly career unlicensed designers, only 10% of licensed architects are peopleof color.

Additionally,people of color are only 12% of architects in leadership roles. Diversityby Design offers an opportunity for these architects to showcase their work,specifically highlighting their community impact or experiences as architectsof color in the design of the building. While the general intent of Diversityof Design is to offer space to these leaders to showcase their importance inSeattle’s built environment, it is also part of a broader sustained effort toshift mindsets of who an architect is and who can be an architect. Bycontinuing to promote and share our impact and experiences as underrepresenteddesigners, we hope to encourage not only youth but currently practicingprofessionals to see people who look like themselves in order to dismantleexisting misconceptions about architecture.

Shifting themindsets of those within and outside the community requires time, collaborativeeffort, and a platform. Although the last time this exhibit was showcased forone day, the feedback was both palpable and necessary. With the ability toshowcase the exhibit for long term display, Diversity by Design and KSSA canengage with a larger inclusive and authentic audience than either could reachalone. The Diversity by Design exhibit at KSSA not only offers a longer-termspace for display, but also helps us be able to engage with a larger audiencethan we have typically been able to reach. As Diversity Roundtablemembers often volunteer our time and limited resources through our firms,without compensation, KSSA’s unique compensation model ensures an authenticprocess that levels the playing field while alleviating the concern of money.

We invite you toparticipate in this exhibit but more importantly to continue to acknowledge andcelebrate the works of BIPOC designers, designers of all genders, LGBTQI +designer, designers with disabilities, immigrant designers andmore.