Gensler Toronto is partnering with BAIDA (Black Architects and Interior Designers Association) and BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto) to host a virtual BIPOC Portfolio Collaborative Review session.
There is a notable disproportionate representation of Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) within the architecture and design professions. This led Gensler to commit to developing mentorship and community engagement programs that promote increased diversity in the design professions. One of the aims is to enrich the profession with diverse cultural views and practices.
The session at the end of January involves staff from Gensler, along with other leading Canadian architects and designers. They will participate in a collaborative review of resumes and portfolios to assist emerging designers and students with the next steps of their careers.
Students will each have a half-hour review session with two professionals within the fields of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and/or architectural technology.
This will be an opportunity for students to engage in conversation with members of the design community while refining their portfolios and practicing their interview skills. Strategies and advice will be shared by all participants to gear students towards design excellence and enrichment within their future careers.
The process is intended for students that are currently registered in Canadian schools of design or architectural technology, and who also identify as Black, Indigenous or as a Person of Colour. There will also be an option for the collaborative review sessions to be offered in either English or French.
Student reservation closes on January 15, 2021. To RSVP, visit: https://designto.org/event/bipoc-portfolio-collaboration/.