Inclusion - ABA's DEI Philosophy

Whether creating built environments for clients or shaping the spaces in which we ourselves work, ABA's diversity, equity, and inclusion plan applies to all that we do – for our staff, clients, and industry partners – and can be summed up in a word:

Welcome

Welcome …

… to a practice that values people as they are.

… to a practice rooted in human dignity and the potential for self-actualization.

… to a practice that acts on our diversity, inclusivity, and social equity values based on a clear plan, measurable goals, and accountable firm leadership.

… to a practice that thrives with a culture of belonging and empowerment.

In being a welcoming organization, we are mindful of approaches to advance our projects and make our culture more equitable:

• Allyship: more than believing in equality and expressing solidarity with people experiencing discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion, we design purposefully and cultivate culture to create equal opportunities and access for all.

• Intersectionality: recognizing that different modes of discrimination and privilege can emerge from diverse characteristics, we respect a person's multiple identities.

• Environmental stewardship: living in a just and equitable society depends not only on harmonious social structures, but also on holistic consideration of the physical environment and natural ecosystems.

• Outreach, Engagement, and Dialogue: rooted in active listening, because our practice and projects are stronger when people feel they can speak, be heard, and be valued and respected.

Our philosophy can be summarized as follows:

I -> D -> E -> A

Inclusivity empowers Diversity to achieve Equity supported by Allyship

We commit to nurturing an inclusive, welcoming culture where diversity is valued and staff members are all empowered to practice architecture that is equitable, sustainable, and just.