AIA Diversity Statement

"The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, champions a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of our profession and the world's prosperity, health, and future."

The AIA Iowa Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee purpose is to strengthen a culture of belonging, engage the voices and actions of AIA Iowa members to promote inclusion, and support members with diverse backgrounds. Initiatives include scholarships, education, and outreach. The AIA provides a wealth of resources related to EDI. AIA and AIA Iowa are committed to broadening equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Here are some helpful resources:

• AIA Iowa Guide to Work in the U.S. for International Students
• How to combat harassment in the architecture profession
• AIA Guides for Equitable Practice
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission Summary

Are you passionate about these subjects and want to get involved? Contact these volunteer Champions:

• Jesus "Chucho" Loria Quijano, AIA
• Gladys Petersen, AIA
  

Bee an Architect Activity & Coloring Book

>>> Digital Version HERE <<<
One of EDI Committee's initiatives is to inspire the next generation by fostering, educating, and helping to spark interest and navigate the path to a career in architecture. To support this initiative, the Chapter created the "Bee an Architect Activity & Coloring Book". The new "Bee an Architect Activity & Coloring Book" is FREE and highlights what an architect does and how to become an architect through the star of the book, Bee an Architect.

Diversity Scholarship Opportunities:

AIA Iowa / AIA Diversity Scholarship

AIA Iowa is Committed to fostering and supporting diversity within academia and the profession of architecture. Through a partnership with AIA Iowa and the AIA, the AIA Iowa / AIA Diversity Scholarship is awarded to students in good academic standing enrolled in the ISU Architecture program, who are from Iowa, citizens of the U.S., who and belong to an under-represented ethnic group. For more information about this scholarship please contact AIA Iowa at info@aiaiowa.org.

AIA Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship

The Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship was established specifically for a woman studying architecture within a NAAB accredited bachelor or master’s degree program. Sho-Ping, a Fellow and leader in the AIA, was a long-time Principal and health-care practice leader at Payette. She was a talented and compassionate architect who was fiercely determined to design healthcare architecture of the highest caliber for those in need. Sho-Ping was a wonderful mentor and instilled in her teams a sense of camaraderie and commitment to design. As a founder of the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, held biennially, Sho-Ping was instrumental in defining the national discourse for Women in Design. The $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who will be entering at least their third year of undergraduate or any level of graduate study within an accredited architecture program.

AIA Diversity Advancement Scholarship

Maybe you chose architecture because you want to design a better world. Or you can’t imagine doing anything else. One thing’s for certain: You love this work. And the AIA would love to help fund your college experience with a multiyear scholarship, up to $20,000. The AIA created the Diversity Advancement Scholarship to help more minority students pursue a successful career in architecture. Multiple scholarships are available. The $20,000 scholarship is for minority students whose imagination and design thinking will influence the future of the built environment and the architecture profession.

Additional Resources:

Examining the State of Diversity

“Diversity in the Profession of Architecture,” published by AIA in 2016, examines the factors that influence diversity in the workplace and how they can determine career advancement opportunities and challenges, work-life balance, and attrition rates. The report also offers next steps for architecture, as a field, to pivot by attracting and maintaining a more diverse workforce.

Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA-NCARB)
This service evaluates the education credentials of foreign-educated and broadly-experienced architects against the NCARB Education Standard. This service is for individuals seeking an NCARB Certificate or registration in a U.S. jurisdiction and who do not have a professional degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.