The Architecture Lobby stands in solidarity with Architectural Workers United at SHoP Architects and unequivocally supports their efforts to form a union in their workplace. As an organization of architectural workers, we call on the firm’s principals to voluntarily recognize the union and engage in good faith negotiations with the collective bargaining unit.

The workers of Architectural Workers United (AWU) – SHoP Architects have come together in recognition of the power of the collective to create an equitable office, a just profession, and a resilient built environment. This involves basic demands like pay equity, promotion transparency, and manageable workloads — a simple recognition that workers deserve a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect their labor, their livelihoods, and their lives.

We applaud the bravery of AWU and thank them for paving the way. Their efforts will improve the particular conditions at SHoP Architects and inspire a generation of architectural workers to advocate for a better profession through collective action. We stand in solidarity with AWU and remain committed towards the ongoing organizing of the architecture industry.

Please join us in the first week of January 2022 for “Building Power: Unions and Architecture,” a conversation between architects engaged in the movement to organize our industry. Unions are our most powerful tool in demanding more just and equitable workplaces. All are welcome, and all workers in architecture and related fields interested in learning about the benefits of unions and workplace organizing are especially encouraged to join.

For all organizing, labor, architecture and press inquiries please contact us at info@architecture-lobby.org