Hoffmann Architects + Engineers wins Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award from AIA Connecticut

A Commitment to Action

Hoffmann was the sole recipient of the inaugural AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Award in 2021, when eleven firms took the J.E.D.I. Challenge Pledge. This year, AIA Connecticut saw a 300% increase in firms participating in the J.E.D.I. Challenge, with 32 firms pledging to take on systemic racism and inequity. From among these participants, AIA Connecticut selected five for the J.E.D.I. Award. Hoffmann is honored to be recognized alongside Amenta Emma Architects, CPG Architects, JCJ Architecture, and Pickard Chilton Architects.

“I want to recognize the leadership of AIA Connecticut and the J.E.D.I. Knowledge Community in inspiring so many architecture practices across the state to make a commitment to real and measurable change in the space of diversity and inclusion,” said Alison Hoffmann, Communications Manager and Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Hoffmann, when accepting the award.

Driving Change in the Industry

Some of Hoffmann’s notable initiatives in the space of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice include:

• Establishing the Hoffmann Diversity Advancement Scholarship, in collaboration with the Connecticut Architecture Foundation, which offers tuition assistance along with a paid internship;
• Launching an employee Student Loan Repayment Benefit to support staff in paying down student debt, which disproportionately impacts people of color;
• Mentoring K-12 students through leadership roles with the ACE Mentor Program and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA);
• Organizing volunteer days and donation drives with Habitat for Humanity, the United Way of Greater New Haven, Connecticut Foodshare, Loaves & Fishes, Martha’s Table, NY Common Pantry, JDRF, local public-school districts, and other community organizations;
• Hosting educational workshops for staff with DEI consultants, as well as our own Diversity and Inclusion Book and Film Club;
• Recruiting and hiring staff from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, and identities;
• Conducting surveys on company culture and developing strategies that address staff feedback;
• Maintaining a DEI blog for employees with events, media, volunteer opportunities, affinity groups, activism and outreach, and other resources; and
• Supporting employee advancement through professional development and conferences that promote social justice and equity.

Hoffmann’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee encompasses diverse employee voices, varied not only in race and gender, but also in age, experience, and job responsibilities. The committee, which has grown to include more than 25% of the staff, meets regularly to expand the firm’s programming and brainstorm new ways to create an inclusive company culture.

Earlier this year, Hoffmann received the Special Industry Recognition Award from the Construction Institute for promoting diversity and equity in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. John Hoffmann, FAIA, Executive Chairman of Hoffmann, was honored with the Community Kindness Heroes Award from Liberty Bank and Hartford Yard Goats for contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm is also a 2023 recipient of the AIA New England Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award, recognizing action to mentor, support, and advance early-career professionals.

Learn more about the AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Challenge at www.aiact.org/committees/diversity-equity-inclusion-awards/.