WASHINGTON D.C. -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is announcing the 2018 honorees of the AIA Diversity Recognition Program, which recognizes architects and organizations actively committed to making the architecture profession a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable profession.

This year’s honorees are the Iowa Women in Architecture and the Architecture, Construction, Engineering Mentor Program (ACE). 

Founded in 1994, the ACE Mentor Program (ACE)—a workforce development program—of Rockville, MD, was created by the design and construction industry to stimulate high school students to pursue careers in architecture, construction and engineering. Over the last six years, two-thirds of ACE students have pursued architecture, engineering or construction majors in college or entered skilled trades programs.

The Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) is a nonprofit corporation in Des Moines that examines issues connected to women in architecture and related professions. It also serves as a resource for women at all stages of their careers. Priorities embedded in the group’s philosophy include educating communities, empowering individuals and advancing women in design.

Both honorees will be recognized in June at the 2018 AIA Conference on Architecture in New York City.

Honorees were selected this year by jurors Steven Spurlock, FAIA, Linsey Graff, Assoc. AIA, and Jonathan Penndorf, FAIA. This marks the 10th year of the AIA Diversity Recognition Program. Complete details of the program are available online.