Salem, MA – The 2024 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Future Forward Grant was recently awarded to Silvia Colpani, Assoc., AIA; Alya Staber; and Elona Habipi of Jones Architecture. Their proposal, “It Takes a Village, A Parents and Caregivers Initiative,” was selected by a six-person jury as this year’s grant recipient.
The Future Forward Grant, a project by the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) and the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), supports students, emerging professionals and early career architects in testing innovative ideas that challenge traditional architecture practices. The goal of the $10,000 grant is to foster innovation by providing the necessary resources to pursue untested ideas and drive exploration and disruption in the profession.
“We are deeply honored and grateful to have received this generous grant from AIA. This support enables us to embark on a pivotal study exploring the roles and experiences of parents and caregivers within the architectural profession. We believe that this initiative will bring critical insights and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all architects,” said Colpani, who is the lead submitter for the project.
The “It Takes a Village” initiative seeks to help architectural firms of all sizes support their staff who have taken leave as caregivers. While especially focused on new parents as an exciting and challenging time, the initiative also recognizes the significant needs of parents with children before kindergarten, those with special needs, and employees who take leave to care for elders or other family members.
“The jury this year was unanimous and excited in its decision to award the Future Forward Grant to ‘It Takes a Village.’ Many of the jurors in different stages of their lives have grappled with the challenges of balancing caregiving and professional work. We believe this has the potential to have a significant impact on the profession and are looking forward to any outcomes,” said jury chair Carrie Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.
