October 2025
24
Spotlight: Construction Inclusion Week Celebrating Inclusion Week: Living Our Mission at Patriquin Architects Submitted by Patriquin Architects
At Patriquin Architects, inclusion is a daily practice woven into our mission, our culture, and our work. Our mission statement guides us: Leading by example through thoughtful design and diverse teamwork to create a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world. This vision is both aspirational and actionable, serving as the framework that shapes how we serve our clients, collaborate as a team, and impact the communities where we live and work.
Inclusion Week is an opportunity to pause and reflect. Living our mission is ongoing. We celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives— whether in our office, in our profession, or in the neighborhoods where our projects take root.
A Legacy of Community Architecture
From our founding, Patriquin Architects has embraced the principles of community architecture. For us, architecture is a responsive process rooted in collaboration. We design schools, housing, cultural spaces, and community buildings that balance environmental responsibility, contextual sensitivity, and delight for the people who use them. The diversity of our project types mirrors the diversity of the client groups we serve, and what unites our portfolio is our commitment to fostering belonging and accessibility. Our home at King’s Block in New Haven—a rehabilitated, Passive House– certified 1816 landmark—symbolizes this philosophy. By restoring the city’s oldest freestanding commercial building and adapting it into our office, we demonstrate how architecture can honor history while meeting today’s highest standards of sustainability and inclusivity. Building a Culture of Diversity
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to how we practice. As a Woman-Owned MBE certified by the State of Connecticut, we are proud to model equity in leadership.
Our team participates actively in AIA Connecticut’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Challenge and the AIA Materials Pledge, reflecting our commitment to advancing the profession. Recognition such as the AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Small Firms Award in 2022 affirmed our path, and our efforts extend beyond accolades. We believe inclusion begins within. That means transparent hiring and advancement processes, mentorship across career stages, and flexible policies that support professional growth. For example, we provide paid time and financial resources for licensure exams, conferences, and continuing education. We create pipelines for the next generation, from summer internships to hosting high school students exploring careers in design. Equally important, we encourage volunteerism and civic engagement, ensuring our team’s talents extend into the broader community. Designing for Inclusion
Our commitment to inclusion reaches beyond our studio walls and into every design decision we make. We practice inclusive design with a holistic approach:
• Physical accessibility through universal design strategies that exceed code requirements. • Sensory inclusion by addressing acoustics, lighting, and wayfinding for diverse needs. • Social and cultural belonging with spaces and signage that represent and welcome all communities. • Cognitive and emotional accessibility through intuitive layouts and visible cues. • Health and wellness by prioritizing air quality, daylight, biophilia, and comfort. • Process-based inclusion by engaging community voices and incorporating feedback into design solutions. Living the Mission
Inclusion Week is an opportunity to pause and reflect. Living our mission is ongoing. We celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives—whether in our office, in our profession, or in the neighborhoods where our projects take root. By leading with thoughtful design and diverse teamwork, Patriquin Architects strives each day to create a built environment that is sustainable, equitable, and inclusive for all.
AGC MA Hosts Inclusion Week Events
Proudly building exceptional spaces for our clients. Construction Management Preconstruction Design-Build
Canton, MA | Worcester, MA | Merrimack, NH timberlineconstruction.com
www.high-profile.com
Wellesley, MA — The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) will host events for Construction Inclusion Week on Oct. 13-17. Activities kick off on Oct. 9 with an open house and continue through the week with networking, educational programs, and opportunities for underrepresented businesses to connect with industry leaders.
The centerpiece of the week is the 5th Annual Supplier Diversity Summit, hosted by AGC MA’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (CFDI). Taking place on Oct. 14 from 12:00–5:30 p.m. at Wentworth Institute of Technology, the summit connects underrepresented
business enterprises (UBEs) with upcoming project opportunities and key industry decision-makers. Other events include:
• BWiC/CFDI Open House – Oct. 9, 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Trillium in Canton • Stand Down for Respect – Oct. 15, time and location TBD • Women’s Superintendent Panel – Oct. 16, 8:00–10:00 a.m., location TBD • Student Chapter Networking – Oct. 17, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Wentworth Institute of Technology & Mighty Squirrel (Fenway) Construction Inclusion Week includes programs for industry members, students, and underrepresented business owners focused on networking, education, and advancing inclusion in the construction industry. Visit www.agcmass.org for more info.