AIA Colorado & NOMA Colorado Host “State of DEI” Roundtable

On Wednesday, September 24, AIA Colorado’s JEDI Committee partnered with NOMA Colorado to host The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession? The event brought together architects, students, firm leaders, and community members to discuss the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the profession at a moment when such efforts face pushback at both the federal and state levels. The discussion benefitted from the participation of many visiting professionals from the Large Firm Roundtable.

The program was facilitated by Nichole Sorhaindo, AIA National’s Managing Director for EDI Strategies. Nichole opened with national data showing that while a more diverse generation is entering architecture schools, firm leadership remains less representative. She was joined by four panelists who shared insights from their work and communities: Jason Pugh, AIA (Gensler), Margarita Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA (Minidwell), Kevin Nguyen, AIA (Regular Architecture), and Kari Lawson, AIA (HDR).

Panelists emphasized that inclusive design must go beyond compliance to create meaningful experiences. Examples ranged from restaurant seating designed so every guest shares the same perspective, to community-driven planning for historic neighborhood projects. The conversation highlighted that listening, trust-building, and cultural responsiveness are essential tools for architects serving diverse communities.

They also stressed the importance of mentorship and pipeline programs. Initiatives such as HDR’s partnerships with Denver Public Schools, Gensler’s GAP apprenticeship program, and grassroots efforts like AIA Colorado’s Design Like a Girl help open doors for young people who might not otherwise consider architecture a viable career. Panelists placed particular emphasis on supporting students and immigrants pursuing alternate pathways to licensure. Participants further underscored the need to expand cross-profession partnerships, create psychologically safe workplaces, and ensure that diverse leadership is visible at every level. As one speaker noted, “You can’t be what you don’t see.”

The dialogue acknowledged challenges, including shrinking DEI positions within firms and shifting policy landscapes. Jason highlighted challenges faced by Gensler as a global organization and federal contractor, such as navigating conflicting federal and state regulations and developing inclusive policies applicable across offices. He noted that the DEI conversation often gets bogged down in the specificity of language when it should be focused on dismantling divisive and predatory systems. Margarita emphasized that architecture is a global language and that architects can lead efforts to foster collaboration across cultures and language barriers.

Following the panel, participants split into small groups for breakout discussions, where attendees shared personal experiences and brainstormed strategies for action.

This unique event reinforced that equity in architecture is not just a professional priority but also a responsibility to the communities architects serve. The evening closed with a call to continue building a collaborative network—composed of AIA, NOMA, local firms, educators, and community partners—that can sustain and grow DEI efforts in the profession.

Panelists

• Jason Pugh, NOMAC, AIA, AICP, LEED AP — Principal Architect, Gensler
• Margarita Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C — Founder, Minidwell; Teacher, CEC Early College
• Kevin Nguyen, AIA — Owner, Regular Architecture; 2025 AIA Colorado Architect of the Year
• Kari Lawson, AIA — Architect, HDR