Hoffmann Architects, an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, received the Justice, Equity,
Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Connecticut) at the annual awards gala on November 16 at Aria in Prospect, Connecticut.
The AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Challenge, launched in November 2020, offers member firms the opportunity to commit to actions in each of the Challenge areas, which include:
Justice: Acknowledging and denouncing racism and sexism, removing barriers to opportunities, and promoting the success of all individuals in the profession.
Equity: Providing balanced resources and opportunities to ensure every practitioner can
reach an equal outcome.
Diversity: Encompassing an array of practitioners who represent varied experiences
and perspectives.
Inclusion: Fostering a sense of belonging for all voices and perspectives to feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to fully participate.
Eleven firms participated in the AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Challenge, signing a pledge to promote J.E.D.I. outcomes in architecture, engineering, and construction, with voluntary action items related to staff, firm, education/community, and innovation. From among these participants, Hoffmann Architects was singled out for special recognition.
“Hoffmann Architects was awarded the inaugural J.E.D.I. Award for their outstanding strategies and efforts in creating an environment for the future of the architecture practice,” said Gina Calabro, Hon. AIA, Executive Director of AIA Connecticut. Calabro and Angela Cahill, AIA, President of AIA Connecticut, recognized Hoffmann Architects for the firm’s ambitious initiatives, including:
• Established a Diversity Advancement Scholarship with the Connecticut Architecture Foundation for students of color pursuing architecture and
engineering careers.
• Initiated a Student Loan Repayment Program for employees to assist in paying down student debt, which disproportionately impacts people of color.
• Conducted an Inclusion and Belonging Survey to establish a baseline on employees’ feelings about the workplace culture.
• Created a dynamic, interactive internal Diversity & Inclusion Blog.
• Started a D&I Book Club for staff to share conversation about challenging topics.
• Connected with ACE Mentor Program affiliates to provide volunteer mentorship opportunities for staff.
• Participated regularly in online Diversity Challenges from the United Way and other organizations.
• Provided a J.E.D.I. Education Training session with an outside consultant for firm leadership and will host a session for all employees in January.
Hoffmann Architects’ Diversity & Inclusion Committee includes Alison Hoffmann, Communications Manager and committee chair; Russell Sanders, AIA, President of Hoffmann Architects; Cindy Lattanzio, Human Resources Manager; Donna Rehm- McCabe, Controller; and five members of the firm’s technical staff, Guilherme Pinho, Kelsey Greenleaf, Nupur Khadilkar, Rob Fraguada, and Merlyn Rivera. Also in
attendance at the Gala were John Hoffmann, FAIA, Executive Chairman, and Avi Kamrat, CFO, who have championed the actions of the committee since its inception.
“I am proud of the work we have done and honored to be recognized by AIA Connecticut,” said Alison Hoffmann, in remarks at the Awards Gala. “These steps, while admirable, are just the beginning. We need to do more – as a firm, as a profession – to build a pipeline for talented students of diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and cultures to enter the design fields. We need to do more to attract, retain, and support architecture graduates entering the workforce, and to create a work culture that supports diverse viewpoints and experiences. Let’s all use this moment as a challenge to do more and be better.”
More information on the AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Challenge is available at: https://aiact.org/committees/diversity-equity-inclusion-community/.
Related Stories
| Dec 6, 2011
Mortenson Construction completes Elk Wind Project in Iowa
By the end of 2011, Mortenson will have built 17 wind projects in the state generating a total of 1894 megawatts of renewable power.
| Dec 6, 2011
?ThyssenKrupp acquires Sterling Elevators Services
The acquisition of Sterling Elevator Services Corporation is the third acquisition completed by ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG in the last three months in North America.
| Dec 6, 2011
Vivenzio named vice president of building performance practice at Thornton Tomasetti’s New York Office
Vivenzio, a licensed architect in New York and New Jersey, has more than 28 years of experience in architectural project management, construction administration, building diagnostic services and forensic investigation.
| Dec 6, 2011
New office building features largest solar panel system in New Orleans
Woodward Design+Build celebrates grand opening of new green headquarters in Central City.
| Dec 5, 2011
New York and San Francisco receive World Green Building Council's Government Leadership Awards
USGBC commends two U.S. cities for their innovation in green building leadership.
| Dec 5, 2011
Summit Design+Build begins renovation of Chicago’s Esquire Theatre
The 33,000 square foot building will undergo an extensive structural remodel and core & shell build-out changing the building’s use from a movie theater to a high-end retail center.
| Dec 5, 2011
Fraser Brown MacKenna wins Green Gown Award
Working closely with staff at Queen Mary University of London, MEP Engineers Mott MacDonald, Cost Consultants Burnley Wilson Fish and main contractor Charter Construction, we developed a three-fold solution for the sustainable retrofit of the building.
| Dec 5, 2011
RJM Construction begins building Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul
As the general contractor, RJM is constructing the 94,000-sf building that will consolidate the St. Paul school’s two other locations.
| Dec 5, 2011
Gables Residential brings mixed-use building to Houston's Tanglewood area
The design integrates a detailed brick and masonry facade, acknowledging the soft pastel color palette of the surrounding Mediterranean heritage of Tanglewood.
| Dec 5, 2011
SchenkelShultz Architecture designs Dr. Phillips Charities Headquarters building in Orlando
The building incorporates sustainable architectural features, environmentally friendly building products, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally-sensitive construction practices.
