Creating Change By Design: Watts' Diversity Initiatives
Minorities and women are underrepresented in the A/E/C industry. The Watts team is committed to changing the course of that path through financial support, mentoring, and vocal advocacy when and where able. The initiatives and organizations we’re working with to change this equation through both financial and professional time include the following activities:
Watts Scholarship Program
Proactively Increasing Diversity Locally
Watts established two undergraduate scholarships to assist aspiring minority students with tuition at the University at Buffalo; one at the School of Engineering that began in the fall of 2010 and the other at the School of Architecture and Planning that began in the fall of 2011.
The Watts scholarships allow our firm to help identify, support and mentor minority students in the program interested in pursuing careers in the A/E industry. This program exemplifies our firm’s commitment to helping rebuild our community by being engaged in the education and development of the future of the architecture and engineering professions.
“The Watts Award is the first milestone of my career. It sets the tone for my study and practice of just and meaningful design for all. ” - Pouya Pakkhesal, 2022-23 Watts Scholarship Award winner
Congratulations to Pouya Pakkehsal, this year’s Watts Scholarship Award winner through University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. Pouya is a third-year student in the program. He aspires to advance justice through design in his native home country, Iran.
Architecture + Education
Building an Understanding of the World Around Us
Architecture + Education (A+E) uses architecture to build an understanding of the world around us. The program was successfully piloted in 2007 with the support of former Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. James Williams. The 2008/2009 year built upon that success for another exciting project. Conceived as a way to utilize the Buffalo Joint Schools Construction Projects, at the time, as a learning and outreach tool for the Buffalo community. The program was woven into the curriculum at the time for students and teachers at the schools undergoing these significant renovations. Teacher-Architect teams develop curriculums that use architecture and design to link their studies to the broader architectural world and the City of Buffalo. Over the years, twelve of Watts' architects participated in the in-school workshops and symposiums, and the firm continues providing support. Our on-going involvement with A+E is another way that our firm works to increase diversity in the architecture profession.
Buffalo-Area Engineering Awareness for Minorities
Introducing Engineering to Minority Middle & High School Students
Buffalo-Area Engineering Awareness for Minorities—known as BEAM for short—introduces engineering to minority middle and high school students in Buffalo through after-school programs. By reaching future professionals early, BEAM has proven successful in helping students see futures for themselves in engineering—and putting them on a path toward reaching that goal. Our team at Watts has been involved with BEAM for several years and contributes by volunteering and sponsoring events and programs. One of our favorite events is the Annual BEAM Bowl-A-Thon.
Partnership with Assembly House 150
Creating Inspiring, Wonderous Environments
Assembly House 150 has been connected with Watts from its origin in a relationship that makes both of our organizations stronger. As a founding board member, Watts architect Erika Abbondanzieri helped build AH150’s nationally recognized workforce training program that creates inspiring, wondrous environments for all to experience the art of building. In the following years of AH150’s success and growth, Watts has provided continued environmental and engineering services for the headquarters building at 150 Edward Street, creating spaces for growth and transformation in student and client lives.