Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee

Dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the architecture profession.

Group of architects sitting at a table
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Mission of the Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee

The purpose of the Equity and the Future of Architecture (EQFA) Committee is to advise the AIA Board of Directors on matters of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the AIA and the profession. This includes advancing AIA’s and the profession’s ability to engage and represent the communities we serve and addressing issues that shape the future of architecture.

EQFA Focus

In 2025, the EQFA will focus on advancing equity within the architecture profession by fostering collaboration with key stakeholders and providing recommendations, guidance, and expertise to the Board of Directors for embedding equity as a core consideration across AIA’s initiatives. The committee aims to enhance support for component efforts, further equity recommendations set forth by the Strategic Council, elevate the importance of equity in future strategic planning, and strengthen representation and advocacy at national events. Through thoughtful engagement, consistent communication, and strategic alignment, the EQFA will work to ensure equity remains a central pillar of the profession’s growth and transformation.

2025 EQFA Members

Korey White, AIA, NCARB, MBA | Co-Chair

Jason Pugh, AIA, NOMAC | Co-Chair

Garfield Peart, AIA, NOMA

Kavwimba Mdumuka, Assoc. AIA, NOMA 

Robert Easter, FAIA, NOMAC

Monika Retzke, AIA

Dwight Yee, AIA

Zachary Henry-Litchliter, AIA

Juan Richardes, International Associate

Bryan C. Lee Jr, AIA, NOMA

Jordan Luther, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Jainika Shah, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate

Jessica Reinert, Hon. AIA Iowa, CAE, IOM

Composition and Length of Service

The Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee is composed of nine (9) to twelve (12) members. 

These include:  

  • At least one (1) Board member. 
  • At least one (1) Strategic Council member. 
  • At least one (1) member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, and such other individuals as the President may deem appropriate, including subject matter experts who need not be AIA members. 
  • At least one (1) member shall be an Architect member who has been licensed less than ten (10) years, and/or an Associate member.

 Committee members are required to serve a minimum term of one year, with the option to extend for a second year. After completing a maximum of two years of service, committee members will rotate off the committee, including those who opt to not extend for a second year.

History

At the 2015 AIA National Convention, delegates adopted Resolution 15-1, “Equity in Architecture.” Later ratified by the Board, the resolution was envisioned as a call to action for both women and men to realize the goal of equitable practice to retain talent, advance the architecture profession, and communicate the value of design to society.
The resolution called for the creation of a Commission on Equity in Architecture, comprised of nationally recognized experts from AIA membership, architecture schools, allied non-profit organizations, and elsewhere who have influenced the achievement of equity and diversity in their work.

The Equity in Architecture Commission paved the path for equitable practices in architecture career development, public relations, workplace culture, and beyond. 

As an outcome of the Commission’s work, the Board created a board-level committee, Equity and the Future of Architecture, to carry forward the Commission’s strategy recommendations. 

 

Questions about the Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee? 

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