Advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the AEC Industry

Seemingly small moments can alter the trajectory of our life. When given an opportunity, we are able to discover more depth to our potential. How can we provide space to unearth the endless potential of aspiring architects from all walks of life?

Welcome to the third season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.

Today we are joined by Pascale Sablan, President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and a powerhouse advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the architectural field. Pascale works tirelessly to bring visibility and voice to the issues concerning women and BIPOC designers to a multitude of NOMA programs.

Listen as we discuss the progress the profession has made, current challenges, and hopes for the future of the industry. Pascale shares how the industry is collectively advocating for minorities in the architecture industry to offer more exposure and more access to the profession. Alongside this, the idea is to use and create architecture that heals, realizing the influence that architecture can have on communities.

Pascale’s dedication to supporting, recognizing, and breaking barriers for women and BIPOC designers inspires us all to work towards a more inclusive future for our industry. Pascale continues to advocate through programming, particularly in regard to the AIA Large Firm Roundtable 2030 Diversity Challenge, which aims to double the number of licensed African American architects. Pascale reminds us that marginalized groups cannot be the only ones working towards progress. We must all work together to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and other crucial goals.

Time stamps:

[01:12] - Pascale Sablan recalls being commissioned to do a mural while in junior high and how it inspired an architecture career.
[03:13] - What is NOMA’s Project Pipeline program?
[06:09] - Pascale talks about continuing advocacy for women and BIPOC architects.
[09:01] - How did Pascale choose her higher education path? PART 1
[11:51] - How did Pascale choose her higher education path? PART 2
[14:00] - Pascale talks about launching international NOMA chapters.
[17:04] - How can more BIPOC architects enter the space?
[20:18] - Pascale shares how the industry is collectively advocating for minorities in the architecture industry.
[22:53] - What’s next for Pascale?
[25:55] - Where does Pascale find inspiration these days?
[29:44] - How does Pascale find time for everything?
[32:17] - Thank you Pascale for reminding us we must all work together to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and other crucial goals.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter
Pascale Sablan
LinkedIn