On Architecture

A diverse profession mirrors the society it serves and celebrates the contributions of all architects, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious belief, geographic location, or practice.


Thanks to the following for their submissions: Alejandra Rossi; Jonathan Herz; Jonathan Kuhn

Quotathon 

When searching online for quotes by architects, chances are you’ll find the results to be almost entirely one-sided. Unfortunately, this illustrates—and reinforces—an outdated profession that lacks equity, diversity, and inclusion. Today’s profession, however, is adjusting with reflections of designers from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is important for future generations to discover and celebrate.

As architects, our responsibility then is to communicate this transformation in creative and inspiring ways. One way is to increase the visibility and discoverability of minority architects online—and you can be part of that change. How? Consider a topic about architecture and voice your criticisms, opinions, or ideas about the built world around us. Then, share your words by populating them on the web to support our diversifying profession.

For inspiration, check out the following quotes and others from On Architecture. Then, follow the steps below to help support a better image of today’s profession. Will you help us?

Sample Architecture Quotes
“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?”
Dame Zaha Hadid DBE RA, British-Iraqi, 1950–2016

“Buildings are deeply emotive structures which form our psyche. People think they’re just things they maneuver through, but the makeup of a person is influenced by the nature of spaces.”
Sir David Adjaye OBE, Ghanaian-British, 1966–

“I see the type of architecture I practice as service to the country. … For me service is a responsibility, as much as practicing architecture.”
Kathryn Tyler Prigmore, FAIA, African-American, 1956–

“We are limited only by our lack of creativity. Our buildings should symbolize the exuberance of a free nation that encourages individual effort and creativity.”
Douglas J. Cardinal, O.C., Ph.D., Indigenous Canadian, 1934–

Share With Us

• Consider something you’d like others to know about your design process, how you think creatively, or what inspires you; alternately, consider something about architectural practice, building types, cities, materials, etc.
  
• Decide whether your quote is simple, provocative, or poetic
  
• Write your quote and send to us with the following:
  
• Provide your full name for publication, plus credentials such as AIA, FAIA, Assoc. AIA, and/or others, if applicable
  
• Provide a black and white headshot (preferred, but optional); include photographer’s credit
  
• Provide written permission allowing AIA|DC to publish your quote and image
  
• Send details to Scott Clowney via email at sclowney@aiadc.com
  

On Your Own

• Ask your firm to publish a quote by you somewhere on its website; include a headshot along with your quote to put a face with your words
  
• Share your quote with colleagues, family, and friends letting them know you support a profession that values equity, diversity, and inclusion
  
• Add quotes to your social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter; be sure to include relevant hashtags
  
• Submit quotes to online websites that allow such submissions
  
• Add a brief quote by you to your email signature
  

Suggested Hashtags
#aiadc #archiquotes #architectsofchange #architecturequotes #architectsofcolor #asianarchitects #blackarchitects #dcarchitects #diversearchitecture #diversity #equitablearchitecture #equity #inclusion #latinxarchitects #lgbtqarchitects #minorities #minorityarchitects #womenarchitects #womeninarchitecture #queerarchitect


Timeline
Ongoing

Questions
Contact Scott Clowney via email at sclowney@aiadc.com

This program is presented in association with On Architecture.

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