Fueled by the persistent and striking gender inequity within architectural practice, where women compose only 12–18 percent of AIA members, licensed architects, and senior firm leadership, Equity by Design, a committee of AIASF, was developed as a call to action for both women and men to help realize the goal of equitable practice to retain talent, advance the profession and communicate the value of design to society. The 2014 Equity in Architecture Survey with nearly 2300 respondents has sparked much needed dialogue that has resulted in a sold-out 250 person symposium, wide spread media coverage and requests for EQxD presentations nationally and beyond. It also influenced the passing of AIA 15-1 Resolution Equity in Architecture, which has established a commission within AIA National.
Equity by Design's initiatives in 2016 include the 2nd Equity in Architecture Survey, Workshops at AIA National Convention and an Equity by Design Symposium, October 29, 2016
The Equity by Design Committee meets monthly at AIA San Francisco.