Jones Architecture Creates DEI Council

Salem, MA – Jones Architecture announced it established its DEI Council in January 2023 with the goal of creating more diversity within the firm. Initiatives include building an office culture that pushes for inclusive design and increased diversity in the firm, as well as working with the surrounding community on equity projects and bringing architecture to diverse groups of young students through the firm’s pre-professional mentorship program.

“We welcome the initiatives the council is exploring and looking to put in place – it’s a journey for us and that is very much the point – we want to advance a culture of inclusion and belonging in our process,” said Founder and Principal Rick Jones.

The group is made up of seven employees including Senior Associate Sarah Tarbet, AIA and Project Manager Thonah Ep. The council meets six times a year, comprises diverse voices in the firm, and is developing a set of guidelines that they hope will guide Jones in its work with clients and the community as well as its day-to-day operations.

“We have been focusing on identifying how we can be most impactful through action and want to challenge existing processes to make inclusive design a baseline within the office,” said Tarbet.

Ep emphasizes the council’s goal to make Jones a leading voice for equity. “I’d like to see the profession be a better reflection of the world we live in and hope that more people of diverse backgrounds can have a voice in architecture,” he said.

AGC MA’s Committee for Diversity & Inclusion established a program that brings construction professionals together with students to collaborate on age-appropriate STEM-related activities.

Wellesley, MA – The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) announced the association was recognized at the Boston Real Estate Times 2023 Awards Gala on Sept. 13 for their continued work in closing the diversity gap in commercial construction management.

With the support of many AGC MA member volunteers, The Building Women in Construction Advisory Committee (BWiC) and the Committee for Diversity & Inclusion (CFDI) have established networks for both underrepresented individuals and firms that support the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion.

With the support of many AGC MA member volunteers, The Building Women in Construction Advisory Committee (BWiC) and the Committee for Diversity & Inclusion (CFDI) have established networks for both underrepresented individuals and firms that support the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion.

BWiC has facilitated many events over the years that celebrate women in the industry, including the BWiC Inspire Awards where women across different categories (Mentor, Emerging Leader, Rising Star, Young Achiever, and Tradeswoman of the Year) are honored among their peers. In addition, BWiC hosts the ongoing speaker series, “Casual Conversations with Powerful Women in Construction,” giving an inside look on the careers of successful women. BWiC also supports the growth and development of women in the industry by hosting various networking events such as charity fundraisers, golf clinics, ski trips, jobsite visits, and open houses. All these events provide an occasion to build a network, learn from each other, or possibly find a mentor or a next job opportunity.

The CFDI leads educational sessions with industry professionals working collaboratively with leads from more than 25 commercial construction firms to champion and advance industry inclusion efforts. The committee oversees AGC’s annual Diversity Summit, opening doors for minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE) to be equipped with information and resources to grow their business.

The CFDI also established a pilot program with 5th and 6th grade students at Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan which regularly brings construction professionals together with students to collaborate on age-appropriate STEM-related activities. The program will expand to three elementary schools this fall during Construction Inclusion Week.