The AIA created the Equity in Architecture Commission, a blue-ribbon panel of leading architects, educators and diversity experts, to investigate diversity and inclusion in the profession. The 20-member group was charged with assessing recent data, setting a plan of action and reporting on results to the AIA Board of Directors by the end of 2016. The commission was a result of the “Equity in Architecture” resolution passed at the 2015 AIA annual meeting—a call to action to retain talent, advance the profession and further the value of design in society through diversity actions. This session will summarize the five “keystone” areas of focus identified and, within those areas, the 11 priority recommendations, or action items, that were selected for implementation within the organization and membership. You will learn how to:

• Use metrics-driven knowledge, collaborative discussions and definitive action to develop specific recommendations that will lead to equitable practices, investing in a diversity that mirrors society at large.
• Create measurable goals, recommended metrics for measuring progress against those goals and mechanisms for assessing ongoing progress.
• Present a plan of action based on the recommendations and a system of annual reporting that informs members of progress and achievements for equitable practice.