AIA National Convention Atlanta 2015: Equity by Design Events and Initiatives

This year, we are thrilled to offer and participate in not 1, not 2, but 3 AIA Convention programs in Atlanta that continue the conversation about Equity in Architecture. Additionally, we co-authored the Equity in Architecture Resolution 15-1 that is co-sponsored by AIASF and AIACC that will be voted on by the AIA National's component (state and regional) delegates on Saturday, May 16th. We ask you to join us in solidarity to support this important step towards equitable practice. #iLookup #iSpeakUp

WE310 Equity by Design: Knowledge, Discussion, Action! [3.75 CEUS]

Wednesday 5/13  1-5pm Georgia World Congress, Room B304  ($190)

Equity in Architecture is a call to action for both women and men to realize the goal of equitable practice in order to attract and retain talent, advance and sustain the profession, and communicate the value of architectural design to society. This event is open to everyone and has relevant learning objectives for all Architects.

What is a Hackathon?

Join us on Wednesday May 13th at the Georgia World Congress 1pm-5pm for one the most energizing workshops at AIA Convention  inspired by the sold-out 2014 symposium, Equity by Design: Knowledge, Discussion, Action! We will begin the day by reviewing a full report of key findings from the 2014 Equity in Architecture Survey topics: Hiring and Retention, Growth and Development, Meaning and Influence in relation to the pinch points that affect talent retention.  

The second part of the afternoon will feature the first AIA Convention "mini-Hackathon".  Very similar in format to a design charrette, using this rapid prototyping will leverage design thinking skills to propose actionable initiatives and best practices for talent recruitment, career advancement, and building the business case for equity.  

Finally, you and your group will present a 5 minute "pitch" of your proposed equity initiative to a panel of judges. Pitches will be rated with final equity initiatives being featured in blog posts and social media. Sign up for WE310 Equity by Design as pre-convention 5/13 1-5pm during Convention Registration. Ask your firm or local AIA or WIA Chapter to sponsor your attendance and bring back this valuable knowledge to affect change! OR STUDENTS, EP's and Newly Licensed Architects can apply for a SCHOLARSHIP by April 27th

HAPPY HOUR and JURY RESULTS at STUDIO No. 7. 

Following the workshop, Hackathon participants will be invited to a complimentary Happy Hour 5:30pm-7:30pm at Studio No. 7 for jury deliberations and awards. If you can't make the WE310 Workshop, we will have registration to attend Happy Hour event so that you can catch up on the highlights of the Hackathon! and meeting the people who participated. Proceeds beyond costs of the event will go towards endowment funding the 2016 Equity in Architecture Survey.

Studio No. 7 - 393 Marietta Street N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313

Happy Hour (only) registration includes networking, a recap of the EQxD Hackathon, jury results and announcements accompanied by an assortment of wines and appetizers inspired by Latin American and Asian cuisine that is seasonal and prepared with craft and care. If you register with AIA National for the WE310 5/13 workshop, then Happy Hour is included.

WE310 EQxD Hackathon Sponsors

We would like to thank the following EQxD sponsors who have dedicated their support to our EQxD AIA Convention Atlanta workshop. If you are interested in sponsoring Equity by Design 2015-2016 Initiatives, please go to our sponsorship page for details.

Other AIA National Convention Atlanta general programs featuring Equity by Design topics at the beginning and end of day on Friday.

FR117 Work-Life Balance: Oxymoron, Juggling Act, or Opportunity for Change

Friday, 5/15/2015  (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM)

Many architects struggle with balancing the demands of a challenging career with family needs or other life pressures. This program will explore the difficult choices faced by architects in their on-going efforts to pursue their passion for design, commitment to family, career advancement, and pursuit of personal fulfillment. Focusing on challenges that people face when choosing career and family, three architects will discuss their personal journeys which have resulted in successful careers while maintaining life outside the office. The interactive session will also explore the role that office culture plays in the challenges and successes of navigating work-life balance.

FR420 Work, Life, Meaning, and Success: Why Flexibility in Architecture Works

Friday, 5/15/2015  (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Through recent research, Work-life flexibility has emerged a key element of defining success for men and women in large and small firms. Flexibility is likely the most important, and easiest concrete measure firms can implement. This session will show both the how and why flexibility is essential to retain talent.