Architecture Senior Lecturer Damon Leverett on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Design Arts

At the Michigan ASLA 2020 conference held on October 2, 2020, Damon Leverett MFA, AIA, NCARB, senior lecturer in architecture in the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona, discussed strategies for how design-oriented organizations can address concerns and conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion and translate them into action. These strategies include specific steps groups may take and emphasize the importance of encouraging participants to commit to a purpose-driven engagement. Areas of focus include EDI committee governance, statistical assessment, brainstorming, parking and implementation. Leverett draws from examples and experience in working with groups at the American Institute of Architects and with students of the National Organization of Minority Architects.

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Leverett joined CAPLA in 2019. Formerly with the American Institute of Architects, he served as managing director, workforce development and strategy at the national office in Washington, DC from 2013 to 2019. Damon has over 30 years of experience working in the architecture and design industry as a principal, lead designer and instructor. In addition to serving as a senior lecturer at CAPLA, he is an adjunct instructor in the School of Information at the University of Arizona. His current areas of instruction include architectural design, architectural technology, installation design and digital storytelling. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Damon has former associations with the firms of Albert Kahn Associates, SmithGroup and EYP Architects and Engineers. He is a licensed architect in Arizona and Michigan.