Context:

The Association for Community Design (ACD) is a membership organization that provides resources, support and connections for designers working to advance equity and justice in the built environment. ACD develops original research that responds to the needs of community design centers nationwide. In 2018, ACD began a project examining design practices that work to advance racial justice.

Process:

Multiple methods of qualitative and quantitative research were employed, including a nationwide survey that gathered data from 200+ active firms, interviews with firm leaders, participation in conferences, gatherings, and workshops, attending training and professional development spaces, and extensive analysis of racial justice practices in design practices. Through years of conversations and research, our team distilled key insights and learning at the intersection of design practice and racial justice work.

Outcomes:

Insights and best practices were synthesized into a workbook, designed to support readers in understanding the basics of anti-racist design practice through concepts, visuals, discussion guides, reflection prompts, case studies, and more. The workbook is currently in production and will be published in early 2025.