History
Originally established in 1993, the Assembly of Architects (“AOA”) became incorporated in 2003, as a nonprofit organization to support career and leadership development through networking opportunities for design professionals of color. As part of our organizational growth and development, we wanted to achieve a more purposeful impact from the communities we came from and towards the ones we serve. We wanted to introduce innovative approaches and ideas that brought hope for better neighborhoods and changes for more productive community planning and developments.
The Assembly of Architects is comprised of over 30 individuals and organizations, some of whom are Architects, Designers, Urban Planners, Engineers, Community Partners, Students and other individuals connected to the Architectural profession or a related field all working toward a common goal.
The Organizations’ goal is to foster and promote architecture and design within communities. Serving as role models for social awareness and change, professional partners of the Assembly are committed to being more visible within their communities through mentoring, community service and networking.
Each year, the Assembly strives to meet a number of goals that perpetuates their desire to engage young people and communities in the relevance of good design and how it affects us all.
Efforts are made collectively and individually to seek opportunities to partner with local and national design associations, corporate entities, and other non-profit organizations in an effort to address issues and events affecting Architects of Color, our communities and the built environment in which we live and work.
Mission Statement
Through architecture, design, urban planning and engineering, the Assembly of Architects builds and educates communities through collaborative partnerships that enrich the lives of its members and the greater community.
Vision
To develop our organization to be a catalyst for change so that professionals, stakeholders, and citizens have access to opportunities that will build community capacity and promote diverse, healthy, livable and sustainable communities.
We will achieve this vision through strategies and activities that lead to: 1) professional leadership development, 2) youth outreach and education programs, and 3) strategic partnership building and collaboration on local and urban community projects and events.
Goals
- To encourage professional leadership development by ensuring the active participation and education of present and future design professionals who will become an invested community resource.
- To promote more citizen engagement on addressing the present and future environmental and infrastructure needs of its communities.
- To build community capacity by educating its citizens on maintaining responsible stewardship of its community resources in order to reduce or avert physical poverty in their neighborhoods
Committees
- Executive Committee - Provides control and management of the business and affairs of the organization.
- Nominating Committee - Nominate directors qualified to hold office
- By-Laws Committee - Provides expert advice regarding by-laws and articles of incorporation
- Advisory Committee - Non board member who provide support and advice to the board of directors
- Special Projects Committee - charged with providing technical and administrative expertise for special projects and programs approved by board of directors
- Personnel Committee - Establish personnel policies and procedures concerning staff or human resource decisions
Student Chapter
Assembly of Architects Student Chapter
The Assembly of Architects (AOA) has long recognized the current educational and professional deficiencies of supporting college students and young emerging professionals to succeed in their industries. As a means to correct these deficiencies the Assembly of Architects Student Chapter was established in September 2008. The Student Chapter is dedicated to supporting students at the elementary, middle, and high school ages through the college and young professional levels by providing professional development through networking events, internships, job placement, mentorship opportunities, community outreach projects, workshops,
studio critiques, site tours, and more.
Community Work
For-Profit
Non-Profit
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President’s Message:
First, I need to commend the Assembly of Architects’ Board of Directors and professional volunteers on their faithful dedication and commitment to our organization. I’d also like to thank our community and corporate sponsors, and the many non-profit partnerships for collaborating with the Assembly of Architect volunteers on making positive changes for our communities in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Our joint ventures demonstrated the benefits of quality relationships achieving common goals.
Next, I’d like to take a moment to talk about quality. Our organization is comprised of people-of-color engaged in the process of creating quality buildings, both locally and nationally. They are the most qualified professionals today participating in the design of education, healthcare, public and cultural institutions. They bring a unique cultural perspective to the design aspect of our urban communities. They represent business owners in minority business enterprises, partners and principals in majority firms, architects, designers, facility managers, construction managers, urban planners, developers, artists, educators and community activists.
I would also like to commend the Assembly for an extraordinary year in 2009. We fulfilled our mission in a number areas: 1) continuing our platform of advocating for professionals of color 2) we furthered our mission by continuing to participate in career fairs and presenting to secondary students the benefits of entering the profession, the Assembly presented or had a booth at a number of inner city schools during the spring semester of the school year.
Finally, I have heard references to “we cannot find an architect-of-color” on several occasions. I would like to state, unequivocally, there are over 30 professional partners in the Assembly of Architect, who represent the highest quality professionals of color in the region. They continue to leave a positive mark on our communities through their talents and creative contributions. On that note, it is my hope that our work in the Assembly of Architects, which includes building talent and capacity, will change the perception of available personnel, and create many hiring opportunities for years to come.
My sincere and best wishes to each and every partner on your personal and professional pursuits.
Very truly yours,
Nathan Johnson
