The American Institute of Architects and the Office of Diversity Excellence have selected the Buffalo/WNY Architecture + Education Program and the National Organization of Minority Architects Louisiana’s Project Pipeline as the 2013 honorees of the AIA Diversity Recognition Program. The Diversity Recognition program recognizes architects, local AIA components, educational institutions, and organizations that are actively committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within the architecture profession.
The Buffalo/WNY Architecture + Education Program was founded to increase awareness and appreciation of the built environment and local communities, and to use architecture as a multidisciplinary form of active learning. Here, the jurors were impressed with how the program aligns with the New York State curriculum, reaching students in the classroom and teaching them math, science, history, art, and technology.
NOMA Louisiana’s Project Pipeline program was designed in the spirit of providing continued mentorship throughout the growth of an aspiring architect’s career. The project encourages individuals from high school students to firm principals to participate in its tiered program as both mentors and mentees. Jurors were impressed that the project not only includes an Architecture and Design Camp for high school students, but also encourages tiered mentorship across all levels, offers sessions on resume and portfolio tips, and hosts a public lecture series.