Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon EVP/CEO
A Legacy of Duality: The Octagon, AIA Oregon, and the Road to Inclusion
The AIA24 Conference on Architecture just finished in Washington DC last week. Hopefully, you were able to follow along on our social media while staff and AIA Oregon leadership posted updates and highlights, sharing inside moments from the only annual conference for architecture and design on a global scale. It’s always a good time to catch up with AIA friends from across the nation and for me, it is always an opportunity for education and deeper understanding of our members’ experience. This year, I was also able to tour the AIA Headquarters renovation - recently unveiled as the AIA Global Center for Architecture and Design. I was excited to see the renovations underway and get a sense of what was to come.
But first, our group was met with a tour of the Octagon House, home of the Architects’ Foundation and a good space for personal reflection on distance traveled. Closely tied to our nation’s history since its construction began in 1799, The Octagon is a symbol of power and influence in Washington, DC. The Octagon house was built by enslaved workers for Virginia’s wealthiest plantation family - John Tayloe III and his wife Ann Ogle Tayloe - largely as a gesture by the Tayloes in support of the newly-established capital (they were friends with James Madison.)
In my new position as CEO of AIA Oregon, and recognizing the historic moment of the Institute with Lakisha Woods and Kim Dowdell, AIA in leadership - this visit to the Octagon House with its slave quarters left an indelible mark. Standing amidst the architectural beauty, the weight of history settled heavily. Here, enslaved people were forced to live in stark contrast to the elegance enjoyed by the home's occupants. This jarring juxtaposition serves as a potent reminder of the architectural profession's complex past – a past where the very structures that shaped our world were often built upon a foundation of profound injustice. As an AIA Fellow once asked me in conversation about race and architecture - “…but what does a doorknob have to do with racism?” Well, everything, if those doors have been summarily locked for people based solely on the color of their skin.
Confronting this history is not merely an act of remembrance; it's a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and equitable AIA. Ignoring this legacy allows patterns to persist, hindering true progress. However, my visit wasn't solely about confronting the shadows.
News of Lakisha Woods' ascension to CEO and Kim Dowdell's groundbreaking role as AIA National President sparked a powerful sense of hope. It has also sparked historic levels of suspicion that Kim Dowdell and the AIA Board of Directors have addressed in this letter to the members. Seeing these accomplished Black women leading the organization at the national level is a powerful testament to the progress we're making, but I personally know it is also a testament to their dedication to the profession coupled with unparalleled poise. Their success is a beacon, illuminating a future where the architectural profession is no longer defined by its limitations, but by the boundless potential it holds for all.
Here in Oregon, AIA's commitment to diversity is also evident. Our chapter is a vibrant tapestry woven from the talents and experiences of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Together, we have the power to shape a future where the design profession reflects the rich mosaic of our society. Our chapter has recognized that this future won't materialize through passive observation; it demands action. Our Social Justice Action Plan is our Strategic Plan until the end of 2025, and will be the starting point for our next strategic planning effort.
We must dismantle the barriers that have historically excluded and marginalized talented individuals. Fostering robust mentorship programs - like the Mentor Madness program our EPs just provided to the chapter - is key, ensuring that aspiring architects from all backgrounds have the guidance and support they need to thrive. Amplifying diverse voices within AIA is equally important. By ensuring that these voices are heard and valued, we can enrich the design conversation and create a more holistic approach to shaping our built environment.
I encourage each AIA Oregon member to reflect on their own experiences within the organization. Have we all felt a sense of belonging? Have we leveraged the collective power of our diverse membership? How can we do better, together? Let’s leverage the momentum of a newly elected Board of Directors to keep this conversation going. Together, we can transform our chapter, and by extension, the profession as a whole, into a place where all – regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender – can feel welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique talents.
This journey towards a more inclusive AIA isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. But with sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and a collective will to learn and grow, we can ensure that the future of architecture reflects the rich tapestry of the world we inhabit.
In solidarity,
Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon CEO