The aggregated data from the second annual OAA Demographic Survey is now posted on the OAA Website.
As a reminder, at its September 2020 meeting, OAA Council agreed to implement a long-term data collection strategy through an annual demographics survey of the membership. This survey collects race-based and other equity-relevant data to provide a baseline for measuring progress as the Association works to ensure Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the architecture profession, as well as to develop relevant programs and initiatives.
Participation in this second survey, administered once again by research firm Stratcom, was voluntary and anonymous. More than 1,000 individuals completed all available questions, with the survey provider indicating a good response rate.
Given that the second Demographics Survey was administered less than a year from the first survey (read below), it is unsurprising to note there is little difference in the data between the two surveys. However, one item to note is the survey question “At my current or most recent workplace, I feel included.” Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) agree they feel included at their current or more recent workplace in the 2022 survey—an increase from the 67 per cent reported in 2021. Further, in the 2021 survey, seven per cent disagreed with this same question, while in the more-recent survey, that number is only five per cent. The OAA will continue to monitor the results in the coming years, as a trend may indicate that such efforts as mandatory Continuing Education training have had a meaningful impact on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the architecture profession.
To read the survey’s summary, visit the OAA’s Document and Publications portal.
Background
The OAA conducted the first Demographics Survey in the spring of 2021, and shared the results with the membership in June 2021. That survey was developed and administered by the Association with support from equity consultant Nicole Bernhardt and research firm Stratcom, and was issued once again for the second year in 2022.
While the inaugural demographics survey was issued in spring 2021. However, from 2022 onward, surveys will follow the consultant’s recommendation of being issued alongside the annual individual fees renewal timeline and process (December to March).
