What does it mean to embrace DEI in an era where the acronym’s popularity has begun to distort its impact? In this series, we aim to break it down to examine how we can build it back up. You’ll find conversations about advocating for equitable educational facilities, the role demolition plays in restoring history, what a diverse team really looks like, and the intentions that back up inclusive workplace design.
Chicago’s Frances Rovituso Strange Designs Diverse Spaces for the Public
Frances Rovituso Strange employs a design philosophy that’s been a driving force for creating more inclusive spaces for Chicago’s public servants
By Noah Johnson
Thomas Pace Is an Unrivaled Community Advocate at San Bernardino City Unified School District
Thomas Pace shares his mission to help build the facilities for a school district once marred by tragedy and stigma, allowing its students and staff to flourish in renewed spaces they deserve
By Billy Yost
“It’s emotional, at times, because you’re providing your talent towards a greater good, not just for one or two people, but for the general public. I feel I’m helping contribute to making the community and the city better.”
Frances Rovituso Strange, City of Chicago
Dr. Reuben E. Amamilo Celebrates Decades of Building for Washington State
Dr. Reuben E. Amamilo reflects on what he’s built in his career—both literally and figuratively—on his final day of work
By Billy Yost
Miguel Espinoza Helps Unify Sephora’s San Francisco Home
Miguel Espinoza came to 25-year-old Sephora US to help the retailer build and expand but stays for the company’s culture of teamwork and inclusivity
By Lucy Cavanagh
Workplace VP Sean Devlin Helps Bring Duolingo’s Quirky Culture to Life
How Sean Devlin and his workplace team design Duolingo offices as quirky and inclusive as the online learning organization itself
By Melaina Cecilia de la Cruz
Joshua Leonard and the Diverse Team behind Displays That Build Harry’s Brand
Harry’s, the upstart shaving company that makes the world a bit less hairy, cuts past convention to grab consumers. A key strategy is category differentiation as designed by the diverse people like Joshua Leonard building its in-store displays.
By Melaina Cecilia de la Cruz
The Demolition of Violence to Build a New Conversation
The built environment has a limited shelf life, sometimes due to disrepair and obsolescence, and sometimes because a monument tells a false story. From liberation to sustainability, here’s how demolitions play a critical role inmaking history.
By Russ Klettke
Editor Melaina Cecilia de la Cruz
Art Director Anastasia Andronachi
Photo Manager & Video Director Cass Davis
Web Development Jose Reinaldo Montoya
Photo Credits
Bruno Passigatti (Rovituso Strange), ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com (Pace), Courtesy of L&I Facilities Services team (Amamilo), Courtesy of Miguel Espinoza (Espinoza), Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock.com (Devlin)
Graphics
Anastasia Andronachi (Henry)