Commissioning Cultural Competency in AEC
Jun 24, 2023
The Challenge of Cultural Competency in the AEC Industry
Cultural competency, the capacity to engage effectively across diverse cultures, is a critical aspect of a successful organization. AEC professionals are well-known for their strong technical skills and communication abilities. However, despite a growing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the AEC industry has often struggled to balance the high-stress, unique culture of its projects with the need to create an equitable environment for collaborators of all backgrounds.
The Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion
A more diverse talent pool can enhance cultural competency in the AEC industry. Differences among individuals can be assets, fostering a rich, collaborative environment. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that employees who experience a dynamic, welcoming, and healthy work environment are more productive, make fewer mistakes, and are better at adapting to change.
The Need for Greater Representation
To truly promote cultural competency, it is vital to acknowledge the diversity gap in the AEC industry. Increased representation of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ individuals in our outreach and marketing efforts is necessary, as it influences the perceptions and aspirations of young people. Existing stereotypes can be countered by showcasing successful professionals from these communities in the industry.
The Power of Mentorship and Outreach
An essential step towards improving diversity in the AEC industry is to encourage local community and youth participation in project planning, design, and construction activities. Community involvement and mentorship from AEC professionals provides opportunities for local engagement, vocational training, and developing critical skills within the communities we are building within, for their own regenerative and resilient future.
Resources for Advancing Cultural Competency
To help get the ball rolling, we’ve curated a list of noteworthy advocacy organizations to help promote inclusion and participation across your organization and projects:
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The National Organization of Minority Architects: Rooted in a rich legacy of activism, this organization, r works to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development, and design excellence. (SoCal NOMA)
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BuildOUT California: This is the world’s first LGBT Industry Association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBT owned & certified businesses in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Construction Services, Real Estate Development, and Related Industries.
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The National Association of Minority Contractors: NAMC, founded in 1969, is the oldest minority construction trade association in the United States. It represents millions of skilled minority workers and assists members with building capacity by providing access to opportunity, advocacy, and contractor development training. (NAMC Northern California, NAMC Southern California)
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The Society of Women Engineers: SWE has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry for more than seven decades. The organization is centered around a passion for its members’ success.
Engaging with these organizations and incorporating their input into the communities where projects are constructed can enhance cultural awareness and competency throughout our AEC project teams. This in turn benefits the entire lifecycle of our projects.
This article is an excerpt from The Nexus Quarterly: The AEC (r)Evolution, Spring/Summer 2023 edition.
