The initial intent for Part 1 of this blog post series was to address accessibility and inclusivity as it applies to the building code. That post will come, however right now, this is what needs to be shared. Like many others, I am stepping back and asking myself what more can I do in my professional life to move towards a world that is anti-racist.

Black lives matter. Indigenous lives matter. People of colour’s lives matters. Full stop.

A revolution is happening right now, and we are here for it. We have all known, on some level, for a long time, that injustice and racism are rampant today. For many of us, it has been swept under the rug in our daily lives if we are not directly impacted. Outside the office, I’ve had no qualms in standing up for what I believe in. In my professional life, I am probably guilty of holding my tongue even when my heart knows it is not okay . Today I make a commitment that I will never hold my tongue when it comes to racism or injustice, no matter how slight.

How can we do better as code consultants and design professionals?

Well, we don’t fully know that answer. But we can start by learning, listening, and having more conversations. Here are a few of our ideas, and we’re interested to hear what others think.

• Can we provide a reduced rate for projects that support marginalized communities?
• Can we learn about architecture and development groups that are openly supportive of diversity and inclusion? Can we choose partners that align with our values…by their actions and not just their statements?
• Can we sit on municipal committees or attend town hall meetings that are discussing development strategies in racialized or culturally significant neighbourhoods?
• Are we listening, and turning down projects that racialized communities are actively resisting?
• Can we make a financial contribution to an education fund that provides opportunities to BIPOC pursuing engineering and architectural careers?

How can we do better as architects?

We are not architects, but have worked with some wonderful firms who are committed to moving forward. Below is a statement from HCMA. If you are an architect, what are some actionable ideas that your team has talked about this week?

How can we do better as developers?

We are not developers, but have worked with many and have seen a wide range of priorities. Developers have so much opportunity to move forward. If you are a developer, here are some questions you can ask:

• How can I focus more on improving the human capital than financial capital?
• How can this development be an inclusive community where BIPOC can thrive and grow?
• If past practices have not recognized systemic issues, how you can make it right and show up better?
• Does this development benefit or disadvantage a culturally significant community?

We wanted you to know where we stand. There is so much to learn, unlearn and relearn to battle systemic racism in the industry. We know along the way we will probably screw up, and say the wrong thing, and get called out. That is all part of doing the work.

If you have any resources or suggestions on how we as an industry can do better, please send them our way. We are open and want to listen and learn together.

Thank you for being part of our community

KL