A new report released by the IIDA delivers a “strategic roadmap” for the organization’s recently formed Diversity Council, chaired by Stacy Walker, chairman of the IIDA Diversity Council and director of customer experience at Milliken. The report, “Design & Diversity: Why Gender, Equity and Multidisciplinary Thinking Are Essential to Business,” provides a synopsis of the conversation on diversity and inclusion that took place among 30 design industry leaders at the 19th annual IIDA Industry Roundtable in January.
“IIDA approached the subject of diversity in the design industry by taking stock of our association. From chapter events to continuing education programs, to the headquarters of our partners in manufacturing to our own board of directors—diversity, or the lack thereof, was apparent,” said IIDA executive vice president and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, who moderated the roundtable. “This report and the formation of the IIDA Diversity Council are the first steps of many toward a more diverse industry—in race and gender, and thought and discipline.”
The report delves into research on the many benefits of diversity in business, statistics showing the current state of diversity in the design industry, and personal accounts from leaders like Gabrielle Bullock, director of global diversity, Perkins+Will; Shauna Stallworth, principal, LUHF & LUMM LLC; and Jeffrey Gay, architecture and design representative, Herman Miller, who shared their experiences as African-Americans who are creating opportunities for cultural awareness and inclusiveness both in their own firms and across the profession.
Check out the full report.