Honorees of the 2014 AIA Diversity Recognition Program Selected

Washington, D.C. – March 24, 2014 –- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion recently selected AIA Miami Architects in the Making (AIM) Summer Camp and the Cincinnati Architecture Mentoring Program (Summer CAMP) as the 2014 honorees of the AIA Diversity Recognition Program.  Now in its sixth year, the AIA Diversity Recognition Program recognizes architects, component chapters, educational institutions, and organizations that are actively committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within the architecture profession. 

The Architects in the Making (AIM) Summer Camp was established to give inner city children a basic understanding of architecture and construction, giving them the opportunity to learn and appreciate their city’s built environment. The first camp in 2007 was one-week long and had 15 participants.  The camp now lasts 2 weeks, and most recently included over 100 participants. Sponsors have included the City of Miami, City of Hialeah Parks and Recreation Department, Miami Dade County Public Schools and the University of Miami.  Harnessing the success of AIM, the chapter created a toolkit to facilitate implementation of the summer camp at other components in Florida and the Caribbean.

Summer CAMP (Cincinnati’s Architectural Mentoring Program), offers a one-week architecture exposure program to 8th and 9th graders from the Cincinnati metro area. The $75 tuition for this valuable day-camp experience makes it affordable for low income families.  The Cincinnati architectural community has been supportive of Summer CAMP from its start.  Partners include AIA Cincinnati, the National Organization of Minority Architects Midwest Region, the University of Cincinnati School of Architecture and Interior Design, and the Student Activities Foundation for Cincinnati Public Schools.  Local architecture and construction firms have contributed $9,000 - $12,000 each year towards the camp.  It costs approximately $500 per student to run Summer CAMP.

You can learn more about these programs here: http://www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB102017

This year’s jurors included Tamarah Begay, AIA, AIA Diversity Council (2012-2014); Brent Castro, Assoc. AIA, 2012-2013 AIAS Vice President; Brenda Devrouax, Founder, The Paul S. Devrouax, Jr. Memorial Lecture; George Manos, Trustee and Founder, the Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD) in Philadelphia; and Beth Tauke, Associate Dean in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo - State University of New York.

The honorees were celebrated during an Awards Luncheon on March 21, at the 2014 AIA Grassroots Leadership and Legislative Conference, in Washington, D.C.  Their initiatives will also be featured during an exhibit at the 2014 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Chicago, IL.  All 2014 submissions will be available for viewing at the AIA’s Diversity and Inclusion web page in April.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being.  Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.



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