Diversity and Inclusion
In Our Work
As landscape architects and urban designers, we help shape the public domain and play a leadership role in ensuring it is socially and environmentally just. The built environment can have a profound influence on catalyzing change: reflecting the values of users, and the context of the place. Each of our designs is been based on the core values of inclusivity, accessibility, and freedom of expression. Our work process strives to represent and include the identities of the communities that we are designing and building for. We pursue and seek projects that align with these objectives.
At the Office
We are proud of our culturally diverse team. They are essential to doing our work right: creating spaces that support human expression and inclusion for a broad cross-section of society. West 8 is and has been since our founding in 1987, dedicated to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and treatment during employment.
With our Collaborators
West 8 fosters the professional development and diversity of all with whom we work. We actively look for partnerships with clients, consultants, and builders who share our mission for diversity and inclusion on every project, from the beginning proposal stages, to contract award for project construction. Our project approach is context-driven and aims for co-creation. We work with the communities where our projects are located and collaborate with local consultants to deliver the best outcomes.
Recent News:
International Women’s day, a tribute
We pay homage to the extraordinary achievements of the women in our office, with 12 recent projects all led by female members of the West 8 staff.
Black Lives Matter – update Fall 2020
Our team, along with many others in the design profession, has been grappling with the reality of racial inequality, our role in its continuance – but also our role in promoting equality.
West 8 Joins Fellow Landscape Architects in Cut|Fill Conference
This summer, seven members of our design team and director Adriaan Geuze participated in the discussion-based Cut | Fill Unconference alongside fellow landscape architects from across the US to unpack the challenges of our field that have been augmented this year by a global pandemic and widespread civil unrest. A 5 minute summary of the conference is available: HERE
Black Lives Matter – June 2020
West 8 strongly stands by the Black Lives Matter movement and we believe, unequivocally, that there is zero room for any form of racism or discrimination, in our offices, our field and the rest of the world.
Miami Beach Remembers Juneteenth at Pride Park, Miami Beach
For the first time in Miami Beach’s history, the city recognized Juneteenth (June 19th) by hosting a ceremony at Pride Park, designed by West 8 and completed in 2020.
