ADVOCACY

OUR GOALS

Our office is based on equal thoughts, diverse voices, and the integration of cultures. We don’t think the same, behave the same or strive to be the same. We celebrate our differences and thrive on each others strengths to succeed. Our office was formed because Architecture has not offered experiences to us equally, and there is a lot of work that needs to be done for all genders and races to find acceptance and success in diversifying our environments.

MENTORSHIP I

ARCHITECTURE FOR EVERYONE :

A SPONSORED MENTORSHIP PROGRAM THAT INTRODUCES SECONDARY STUDENTS TO ARCHITECTURE

We are thrilled for Allison to have been chosen by the Ontario Association of Architects’ 2022 Public Awareness Sponsorship Program to assist her in developing and leading an architecture program for the youth in her community. In 2020, the OAA conducted member research and identified that there is a small percentage of licensed members who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) individuals. We believe one of the problems is due to the lack of introduction of this profession to various youth groups. Allison has partnered with the Town of Ajax and their Youth Hub program, to lead a youth architecture workshop that would introduce architecture as a profession to students that may not have considered it as a career. The program will be provided for Ajax students in grades 9-12 within the Durham District School Board/Durham Catholic District School Board, where the majority of the students are culturally and racially diverse. Through this program we hope to achieve broader diversity in architecture for the future of this profession.

The program will begin in the fall of 2022 and Allison hopes that students can reflect on how architecture is important to their lives, their culture, and their community. She wants to excite and bring awareness towards a future in the architecture profession that is accessible to all cultures and races.

We are grateful for the OAA’s support and involvement in creating equity, diversity and inclusivity an important part of our future.

MENTORSHIP II

As a woman of colour, Allison did not have a mentor in Architecture that she could relate to. It has become important for het to be a mentor for fellow women of colour who strive to be accepted into architecture school, graduate and be successfully employed with equal wages and opportunities.

Currently, Allison is a mentor to OAA Interns, who are finding their place as professionals.

Our office also participates in OCAD’s Experiential Learning Placement Program, where Allison mentors 4th years Environmental Design students and encourages them to believe in their skills and talents as they move further into their educational and professional careers.

COMMITTEE WORK

Allison currently sits on the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s (RAIC) first “Promoting Equity and Justice Advisory Committee”, and also leads it’s Education Sub Committee. The group is supporting the RAIC’s action plan related to equity and justice.

Nothing happens overnight, but we’re happy that there is a drive for change.

PUBLICATION I

Allison was published in the October 2020 issue of Canadian Architect magazine for her dialogue regarding the lack of diversity in the publication. Her writing on race is highlighted below as “Letter to the Editor.”

https://www.canadianarchitect.com/letter-to-the-editor-addressing-race/

PUBLICATION II

Allison contributed to an article titled “Acting on Equity”, written by Elsa Lam. The piece is published in the February 2021 issue of the Canadian Architect magazine.

https://www.canadianarchitect.com/editorial-acting-on-equity/