Building Equality in Architecture Atlantic is hosting its first BEAA Forum – Challenging Unconscious Bias in Architectural Practice. This event will explore systemic inequities in architecture, focusing on education, hiring, workplace culture, and design. The day includes a workshop, a panel discussion, and a keynote lecture.

Our day opens with a workshop facilitated by Sophia Horwitz and Greg Woolner of Colab.

Following a short break, the program continues with a panel discussion featuring Zahra Williams (ZZAP), Basma Sahib (Architecture49), Margot Durling, and Megan Gainer (HFX Public Libraries). The panel will be moderated by BEAA Executive Chair Émélie Desrochers-Turgeon (Dalhousie University Assistant Professor).

The afternoon concludes with a keynote lecture by Farida Abu-Bakare (WXY Studio).

The Workshop, Panel, and Lecture are all eligible for Core Continuing Education hours with the NSAA, NLAA, and AANB (AAPEI pending). Hours will be confirmed and issued after the forum’s completion.

Workshop registration is separate from the Panel Discussion and Keynote lecture and is located here. Workshop registration is limited.

Participants are also invited to register for our BEAA Connect social, hosted by Acre Architects on Friday, September 19th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register for that event here.

Locations:

The BEAA Forum is taking place in two locations

Workshop: Halifax Central Library, Room 301, 5440 Spring Garden Road

Panel and Keynote Discussion: Irving Oil Auditorium, Richard Murray Design Building, Dalhousie University, 5217 Morris Street

Schedule:

Registration:

Because of the generous support of our sponsors, registration for all three events is free.

An enormous thank you to our sponsors:

GOLD

Acre Architects

Architects4

Architects Association of PEI

Blackwell Structural Engineers

Englobe

Nine Yard Architects

Nova Scotia Association of Architects

Omar Gandhi Architects

SILVER

Lydon Lynch Architects

Place of Work

Solterre Design

BRONZE

Anne Sinclair Architect

Dalhousie University

RHAD Architects

ZZAP

The support of these sponsors is not only vital to the accessibility and success of this event— it is a meaningful investment in creating a more equitable and inclusive future for the architectural profession as a whole. Thank you for your support!

Accessibility:

Building Equality in Architecture Atlantic is committed to hosting inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. The Halifax Central Library and The Richard Murray Design Building offers step-free entry, elevator access to all floors, and accessible washrooms. Seating areas are reserved at the Irving Oil Auditorium for people using mobility devices.

The panel discussion and keynote lecture will use microphones, and printed materials can be provided in large print or digital format upon request. Service animals are welcome. If you require additional accommodations such as ASL interpretation, or other support, please contact us at hello@beaatlantic.com by September 6th so we can make the necessary arrangements.

If you have questions about accessibility or require specific information about the venue, please reach out — we want to make sure your participation is comfortable and meaningful.