At Ayers Saint Gross, we are committed to shaping our profession for the better. We are working to manifest social equity in our actions, through our projects, pipeline, practice, and various community efforts. Below is a summary of the firm’s philosophy related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Design should solve problems for everyone, not just those in charge.
We know that historic decisions made by the design and building industry have too often caused harm to communities of color or disadvantaged populations. With the understanding that we are designing spaces for all people, we commit to incorporating principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of our firm’s projects, practice, and pipeline.
Projects: Design that improves the lives of individuals and strengthens communities.
Our designs remove barriers and burdens to empower people to gather and connect, live, and function to their highest potential. Our process includes elevating unheard voices and tackling difficult topics so that our projects create a sense of belonging for everyone.
Practice: Bringing diverse backgrounds to the design table.
We believe diversity in all forms – including background, gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, and more – helps us to be better problem-solvers. We work to promote diversity within our firm and in our external partners, to share opportunities and ideas. Multiple perspectives bring a more comprehensive set of solutions to the table, resulting in stronger and more equitable designs.
Pipeline: Supporting the next generation of talented design voices.
We want prospective designers and the design-curious from all backgrounds to engage in career opportunities where they can use their creative talents. We support creating a pipeline of students interested in the field through in-school mentorship programs, internships, and scholarship funds. Within our firm, we offer mentorship and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow their careers. Read more about how we support our employees on our careers page.
Giving Back: Justice begins in our own backyard.
We are committed to shaping our cities and our profession for the better through our work and our actions. We create meaningful change in our communities of Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Phoenix through investments in social, educational, and cultural programs.
