We are sponsoring a new panel series that brings together thought leaders from industry and academia to discuss how we can drive change in the design community. 

Common Ground is produced by Fatima Beacham, Associate IIDA, Fitwel Amb., WELL AP, and will be moderated by Saundra Little, FAIA, LEED AP, NOMA, both of Quinn Evans. Their goal is to help our industry move from talk to action regarding DEI – figuring out together how we can increase DEI in our firms and our profession. Panelists will relate DEI best practices, strategies to achieve them, and lessons learned from their lived experience as design professionals.

The three-part discussion series will focus on multiple aspects and perspectives around activating DEI within our profession. The first session, taking place on September 28, will gather leaders from architecture and interior design industry associations to describe their challenges and successes in implementing DEI programs. The second session (October 26) will feature panelists from area colleges and universities and focuses on building the pipeline of diverse talent. The final session (November 16) will explore opportunities for increasing diversity among the designers and industry manufacturers of the products we specify. 

All sessions will be presented free of charge in the University Technology and Learning Center Gallery at Lawrence Technological University (LTU). LTU is supporting and hosting the event, with all proceeds going to NOMA Detroit.

Sign up for Session 1 here!