Fireclay Tile

Let’s Build A More Inclusive World, Together

A 2021 report by NCARB and NOMA National found that women of color are disproportionately impacted by financial limitations along the path to architectural licensure. Only 0.4% of all licensed architects in America today are Black Women. Why such a lack of diversity? According to the Architects Foundation, BIPOC architects face three major hurdles on the path to architecture:

1). A lack of awareness of the profession at the K-12 level
2). A lack of belonging due to the current demographics of the industry
3). Particularly for Black women, disparities emerge regarding firm support for licensure, income gaps, and tuition debt

Together, we can change that.

Take Action

We believe that architecture should reflect the diverse society it serves. In order to support the progress of aspiring Black women architects and narrow the racial disparities in the design industry, Fireclay Tile has partnered with the Architects Foundation for a 3rd year to sponsor a Diversity Advancement Scholarship specifically for Black women pursuing architecture.

This year, we’re aiming to raise $75,000 to support the education of three future architects. Fireclay has committed to donating $25,000 to kick things off, and we hope you’re willing to help us reach our goal by donating and spreading the word!

These scholarships support more than the recipients—they benefit the architecture field as a whole, helping to raise up diverse and vibrant voices the profession is currently lacking. Architecture shapes the world we all share, and that world should have space for everybody.

With your help, we can support the next generation in the profession to build a more equitable and inclusive future.

Meet Our 2022 Scholarship Recipient, Oni

Want to see the real-life impact of your donation? Meet Oni, recipient of our ’22 scholarship fund who’s currently studying architecture at Syracuse University.

In her own words: “I look forward to becoming an architect with the right to advocate, express my ideas, be respected, and be valued as an equal partner or member of any institution I choose to join. Representation and visibility are necessary in any profession to make an impactful contribution to our profession and the changing world.”

We're thrilled to support talented, inquisitive, and compassionate future architects like Oni. Her thoughtful approach to environmental and community impact demonstrates a keen understanding of the forward-thinking change that we greatly respect.

How to Participate

Pledge your support by making a donation on this page today. For donations of $1,000 or greater, please email your company's logo (JPeg file) to kali@fireclaytile.com to be featured on our website's partner's page.

We also invite you to help spread the word within your networks. Click here to download our Sharing Toolkit, which includes graphics for social sharing, presentations, and web/e-mail graphics.

The more we raise, the more scholarships we can award, and the faster we can help bring much-needed equity and perspective to the field.

Questions? Contact:

Fireclay Press and Partnerships Manager: Kali@Fireclaytile.com

The Architects Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN #59-3819154.