Diversity by Design Exhibit

Diversity by DESIGN 2013-2014

First Annual Exhibit showcasing the Power of Diversity in Design

The AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable presents an exhibit of design projects showcasing the power of diversity in design and expressing the engagement of those who have participated in the Diversity Roundtable over the course of its history, beginning in 1986. Following display at the University of Washington Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center June 14-28, 2013 as part of the Roundtable's 16th annual Summer Solstice observance, the exhibit appeared at Bellevue City Hall August 26 - September 28 (reception Friday September 19 5-6:30pm), at the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Conference (October 23-26, 2013 at Vancouver, BC).

Onward to Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia February 5-19 in connection with AIA Washington Capitol Connections, to Regional Contracting Forum March 26 at Washington State Convention and Trade Center, to AIA Seattle Diversity Summer Solstice 2014 at UW, and to AIA Convention 2014 June 26-28 in Chicago.

Potential future exhibits at NW schools of architecture, and at AIA Portland Center for Architecture and AIA San Francisco (tentative/TBA).

Please direct questions to Rachael Kitagawa, Titus Uomoto.

Cumulatively, the exhibit highlights individuals and businesses whose work in architecture reflects the inclusive spirit that has energized the Roundtable since its origins nearly 30 years ago, with the intention of encouraging current and future generations to explore and manifest the power of diversity in their design careers.

The design of the exhibit, built around submittals (words and images) solicited from Roundtable participants, focuses on these elements:

* "Diverse paths" that individuals have taken as they have defined and activated career goals in and beyond architecture

* How design processes and products express individuals' ethnic/cultural backgrounds (with specific examples/illustrations)

* Sources of inspiration and encouragement that support achievement by "minorities" in architecture

* Design projects and other work (including publications) resulting from the efforts of Roundtable participants.

Background: Uniquely among similar efforts in architecture communities throughout the US, the AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable has brought together individuals from backgrounds under-represented in the profession -- women, US ethnic minorities, LGBT -- and at all stages of careers in architecture from

K-12 inquiry through architecture studies and in a range of practices. Participation in Roundtable activities has encouraged and supported these individuals in the pursuit of design discovery reflecting diverse ethnic heritage, the elevation of community, social justice, and a commitment to inclusiveness and universality. Roundtable activities since its 1984 origination include the annual Summer Solstice celebration, the endowment of the Denice Hunt Internship and the Marga Rose Hancock Scholarship for Diversity at the University of Washington which has supported the studies of 25+ scholars, outreach to students at schools throughout the greater Seattle area, community service projects, and other programs supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds in their learning and professional work. In 2010, the AIA honored the Roundtable's work with a national Diversity Recognition award.

Diversity by Design Exhibit Team: Johnpaul Jones, M. Mario Campos, Rachael Kitagawa, Donald King, Marga Rose Hancock; with Debbie Lematta, Alex Rolluda, and Diversity Roundtable Cohairs Yong Sun Lee and Titus Uomoto

Diversity by DESIGN

For 2013-14, members of the AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable join with local and Northwest regional partners to mount a travelling exhibit featuring individuals and businesses whose work in architecture reflects the inclusive spirit that has energized the Roundtable since its origins more than 25 years ago, with the intention of encouraging current and future generations to explore and manifest the power of diversity in their design careers.

The Diversity by DESIGN Exhibit, originating in Seattle, travels to regional and national venues:

* June 14, 2013: GRAND OPENING at the University of Washington Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center: a featured event in the Roundtable's 16th annual Summer Solstice celebration of diversity in design

* Autumn 2013: at the University of Oregon and other Northwest schools and other regional venues including AIA Seattle Gallery

* October 23-26: at AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Conference, Vancouver BC

* June 2014: at AIA Convention, Chicago

The Diversity by Design exhibit highlights the achievements and stories of individuals who have participated in the Roundtable 1986-present as well as the design offices and other businesses that have supported Roundtable activities through a complementary exhibit, "What Makes It DIVERSE?" -- slated to open in October 2013, featuring work by offices in Seattle and throughout the Northwest that address the issue of diversity in design. A call for entries will invite participation by NW design offices and related businesses.