Home  >  Our Story  >  Diverse By Design

Diverse By Design

As the largest African American owned design firm in the country, we’re committed to dismantling systemic racism within our firm and in the world.

For more than 40 years we’ve led by example, prioritizing diversity and inclusion in every sphere of the industry—from increasing access to architecture education to amplifying minority leaders.

We employ 350 diverse individuals, comprised of 43% minorities and 46% women.

 

Leading the way

Long before diversity and inclusion were at the forefront of the global conversation, we led the way. Our commitment to diversifying the profession is demonstrated by our leadership in industry organizations and mentorship of young architects.

Walking the Talk

Comprised of 46% minorities and 43% women, we champion diversity in our firm. We are committed to bettering ourselves with ongoing internal training—creating a workplace free from bias, harassment and microaggressions.

National Organization of Minority Architects

The NOMA Fellowship Foundation is designed to address the AIA 2030 Diversity Challenge, which aims to double the number of licensed Black architects in the United States by 2030. As a host firm, Moody Nolan provides mentorship and design research experience for young emerging professionals.

Minority Mentorship

With only 2% of licensed architects identifying as Black or African American, we prioritize mentoring the next generation of minority architects. Both locally and nationally, we seek opportunities to increase exposure to the practice of architecture to students as young as kindergarten. The national visibility of our minority representation in leadership reinforces to the next generation that everyone has a place in the industry.

Minority Partnerships

We partner with minority-owned, women-owned small and disadvantaged businesses on every project, using our resources to increase their exposure and offer mentorship.

AIA Large Firm Roundtable

Composed of the nation’s largest architectural firms, members affirm our resolve to lead within our industry by making a commitment to being anti-racist, while reinforcing our core values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We use the national reach of our firm to clear barriers for other minority firms to excel.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

We understand the importance of mentorship and representation in our field. We are committed to HBCU campuses, helping them plan for the future of their campus, while investing in the next generation of minority architects.

Our Offices