Change is here. The unstoppable global movement to create equity, diversity and  visibility in business, design, and creative culture is happening across the globe. This shift has been buzzing for a long time, but the unprecedented 2020 pandemic illuminated inequity in all parts of culture, and this global wake up is asking all of us to be part of the solution.

We are committed to bringing new voices, perspectives, and philosophies to our new world. We wanted to share who we’ve been working with and how we’ll be expanding our efforts in both time and financial support over the next two years to accelerate change.

Beginning with our partners, we have selected organizations that share our priorities of collaboration and inclusivity for a wide variety of ages.

AFO’s Architects in School This Oregon-based program is designed to bring design professionals into the classroom to give students access to understanding how design can solve problems, and to imagine themselves as future problem solvers. We’ve collaborated with Architects in Schools and their mission to support design in school at every age is crucial to inspire curiosity to change the world.

To reach high school students in their junior and senior years who are interested in architecture, Design and Engineering, Ace Mentor Program offers after school programs to bring real world experience to students. Our studio has donated time and resources to support this critical program to capture students’ interest and offer real life proximity to professionals who do these jobs every day. Working with students and seeing their passion for design aligns with our goal to develop partnership and give space for students who are interested in bringing their invaluable experience to the future of design.

Hip Hop Architecture Camp is the future when it comes to bringing unheard voices forward to the design conversation. This incredible program offers week-long camps to underrepresented middle and high school students in the world of design through the lens of hip hop. The students get the chance to work with architects, urban planners, designers, community activists and hip hop artists to bring their perspectives to design and bring vision to their communities through both music and design. Being a part of this powerful program and working directly with students was incredible for the studio. Please click through to read a previous blog post on the team’s experience.

We are committed to partnership representation of our dedication to dynamic and comprehensive relationships with our clients, our partners, our community, and our roots at the University of Oregon.

In 2019 we had the opportunity to be a Founding Supporter of the University of Oregon Design for Spatial Justice Initiative. This fellowship brings the best minds from across the globe to support visiting faculty scholarships that bring experiences, voices, and expertise from the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, sexuality, and economic inequality. This program’s ability to bring new voices to the design conversation and offer leadership to the global and academic conversation is the critical vision needed to solve the challenges facing the planet. This year’s Visiting Faculty Fellows bring a range of expertise to lead the change needed in space, design and experience of the physical world.

These brilliant partners are designing a bright future for design and our shared world. TVA is honored to collaborate and contribute to their efforts to bring new voices to design through engagement with communities and students of all ages and backgrounds.