Vincent Myers is DIGroup Architecture president, principal and co-founder — Courtesy: DIG
By Joshua Burd
DIGroup Architecture is reinforcing its commitment to diversity both internally and externally, as the New Brunswick-based firm marks National Minority Enterprise Development Week.
The practice, New Jersey’s largest majority Black-owned architecture, interiors and environmental graphic design firm, said it was observing the annual campaign by highlighting how the built environment influences underserved communities. That’s evident in its roots as a firm focused on public schools in New Jersey’s most neglected urban communities, along with its portfolio of senior living, health care and civic projects throughout the region.
DIG said it’s also seeking to raise awareness among young people of color about architecture, construction, engineering and so-called STEM careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
“Since its inception, DIG has been empowering underserved populations and communities with our craft by creating purposeful, well-planned spaces and facilities for positive change and maximum impact for all,” said Vincent Myers, DIG’s president, principal and co-founder. “By extension, we also engage in advocacy and mentorship initiatives through our physical presence and shared experience that puts us in front of middle and high school and college students to alter their perception of what an architect, interior designer or graphic designer ‘looks like.’”
Created by the Minority Business Development Agency and the U.S. Commerce Department, National Minority Enterprise Development Week is meant to bolster and encourage minority entrepreneurship, according to a news release. DIGroup noted that the theme of this year’s campaign is “Close the Equity Gap,” while many cities plan to host their own weeks.
The firm, a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise, added that its professionals get in front of minority young people and women through the ACE Mentor Program, guest speaking engagements at local high schools and colleges and universities, serving as panelists to discuss diversity in architecture, participating in STEM and construction-related events and outreach within the communities in which DIGroup projects are located.
“The more times young people experience visibility, leadership and representation, the greater the likelihood they will consider a career in an ACE and/or STEM field and be part of changing the trajectory of underrepresentation,” Myers added.
What’s more, DIG said it was dedicated to building diversity from within that reflects equity and inclusion values in its day-to-day business practices. The firm also appointed its first minority female to the role of principal in 2022, while it has nearly tripled its female employee base since 2014 through the hiring and promotion of women, many of whom are people of color.
It added that 53 percent of its staff are women with leadership and professional roles, including one principal, two associates, three directors, three managers and six architects or designers.
“We recognize that underrepresentation within our own profession limits inclusiveness and creativity of the built environment, particularly those spaces in communities where architecture and design have the power to enrich and strengthen,” Myers said. “DIG has embraced the fact that much more work has yet to be done in our own industry and greater society, and we will continue to do our part to close the equity gap through physical space and sustainable business practices.”
