Areas of Impact

K-12

We introduce K-12 students to architecture and design through engaging activities that spark curiosity and make design accessible. Early exposure is key to addressing the underrepresentation of minorities in architecture. By fostering interest through repeated engagement, we help bridge this gap and ensure all students can envision a future in the field.

Career Development

We strive to promote retention of minorities as they navigate the professional world of architecture and design. With the scarcity of licensed professionals of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) constituencies, these initiatives focus on supporting the career advancement and success of emerging professionals.

In Action

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA): In collaboration with NOCCA, a renowned pre-professional arts training center, we host a Visiting Lecture Series and a 5-day Visiting Artist Workshop. These programs provide students with hands-on design experiences alongside other art forms like music, theatre, and culinary arts.

STEM NOLA: Our partnership with STEM NOLA engages students in critical STEM concepts that relate to architecture, such as structures, buoyancy, simple machines, and sound. Through live sessions and a 3-day Short Course with STEM Fellows, we introduce students to design through STEM, aiming to broaden their perspectives on how architecture intersects with science and technology.

ACE Mentor Program: Working with the ACE Mentor Program, a national after-school program focused on career exploration, we support workforce development in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields. The ACE Mentor Program allows us to connect high school students with professionals who provide mentorship, real-world insights, and early exposure to the architecture field.

NOMA HBCU Professional Development Program: In collaboration with the NOMA HBCU Program, we virtually support students at HBCUs across the country with networking, mentorship, and job opportunities. By fostering connections between talented students and architecture firms, we help bridge the gap between education and professional practice, addressing the need for underrepresented perspectives within the field.

Black Women in Architecture Network: Partnering with the Black Women in Architecture Network, we help create spaces for connection, mentorship, and career development. Our inaugural Black Women in Architecture Brunch is a key event where licensed professionals, emerging architects, and those aspiring to enter the field can come together, share experiences, and support one another’s growth and success. This satellite event is held in support of the national gathering in Washington, D.C.

Just Label Initiative: As part of our commitment to transparency and equity, we are proud to have achieved Just Label 2.0 through the International Living Future Institute's Just program. The Just Label serves as a tool to assess and improve our office policies through a social justice and equity lens. This initiative fosters engagement across teams and ensures that our practices support diversity, safety, and inclusivity. By participating in this process, we strengthen our policies and embed fairness and equity into our workplace culture, reinforcing our dedication to creating a more just and engaged environment. View more about the Just Label here.

This label expires March 2027.

EskewDumezRipple Conversation Series: We established the Conversation Series as an ongoing opportunity for everyone in the office to practice active listening and courageous sharing in a respectful and intentional environment. Discussion begins with specific prompts and questions that are relevant to our everyday office culture – giving everyone an opportunity to hear different perspectives and share their own experiences. Many of our newer office policies have been shaped by the diverse perspectives shared during Conversation Series.