This is a spotlight on how MIN+ Architecture embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe this ethos shows through in our firm culture and is a strong draw, shaping our client base and project types.
At MIN+, we are a team of diverse backgrounds and design ideas, but we come together in the ideology that “good design” is a foundational element to shaping an accessible and equitable environment. Internally our design ethos is not a top-down hierarchy, but a collaboration – everyone involved not only has fingerprints on the project but has value & insight to contribute. From this place of community within our own team, we interact with our consultants and clients seeking collaboration, for each individual to be seen and heard for the value and insight they bring to the table. We believe this skill set attracts like-minded clients and ultimately leads all of us to a successful project.
MIN+ does not have a “typical” client type, but a unique emerging commonality is the mix of minority and female owners seeking a thoughtful and creative design team to formalize their vision into a development plan. While these owners represent a mix of project types, another throughline is their focus on including and serving their local community. The MIN+ team is proud to be considered a go-to collaborative partner for under-represented client groups and attribute this repeat pairing to intense listening, inclusive engagement, and an overall lack of ego.
A highlight of the diversity of owners and project types currently on the MIN+ boards includes:
- Master planning and architectural design for a 7 acre urban farm including a community center, cafe, market, and numerous educational and recreational site amenities all focused on accessibility for a range of ages and mobilities. These amenities are to provide food sovereignty and source of pride for the local underserved community
- Master planning for inclusively revitalizing a historic urban neighborhood with a 97% minority population utilizing a web 3.0 crowdsourcing platform for local investment, so the existing local community can benefit from this new growth and development
- Programming and Concept Design for a 26,000 sf inclusive wellness resort and community center with a focus on natural light and indoor gardens for restorative healing for the local underserved community and visitors alike
- Master planning and architectural design for a 160 acre family-run rural resort initiated by the family matriarchy
- Renovation and addition of a historic church for a minority congregation, partnering with a minority and female led GC team
These clients have openly shared frustrated feedback about their journey selecting an architecture firm prior to partnering with MIN+. With less than 20% of architecture firms having female leadership, and an even smaller number being minority led, MIN+ Architecture is encouraged that our unique firm structure resonates with other under represented developers and business owners.