Hartford, CT Hoffmann Architects + Engineers has been awarded the Construction Institute’s Special Industry Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to the industry and community, specifically honoring the firm’s work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Construction Institute’s awards program recognizes professionals whose actions strengthen the Institute and the architecture, engineering, and construction fields. The Special Industry Recognition Award honors a firm, organization, or institution, recognizing impactful actions that enrich not only the AEC industry, but also the larger community.
“Hoffmann Architects + Engineers is a trailblazer in promoting equity and inclusion in the design and construction industry,” said Nancy Greenwald, executive director of the Construction Institute. “The board was impressed with the depth of Hoffmann’s commitment and actions to make the AEC industry more inclusive. Hoffmann’s many initiatives in this area evidence the kind of leadership we want to recognize. In addition, Hoffmann’s commitment to mentoring and supporting students, especially those underrepresented in our industry, is worthy of recognition through this award.”
The Special Industry Recognition Award was presented at the Construction Institute Annual Dinner on June 8, at Saint Clements Castle & Marina in Portland.
Advocacy and Leadership
An active member of the Construction Institute for 30 years, Hoffmann was recognized with the Institute’s Champions of Change Award in 2021 for commitment to advancing women in the design and construction field. That same year, the firm was honored with the inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award from the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects. In April 2023, John J. Hoffmann, FAIA, founder and Executive Chairman, received the Community Kindness Heroes Award from Liberty Bank/Hartford Yard Goats, which recognizes community members who are making a difference in the space of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In awarding Hoffmann the Special Industry Recognition Award, the Construction Institute noted the active role the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee plays in the company culture, organizing team-building and service initiatives and hosting educational programs with DEI consultants. Moreover, the Institute recognized Hoffmann’s contributions to the community, particularly through the establishment of the Hoffmann Diversity Advancement Scholarship, in partnership with the Connecticut Architecture Foundation. Through this program, a promising student from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group will not only receive funds toward tuition in an architecture or engineering program, but also the opportunity for a paid internship in one of Hoffmann’s offices.
In addition to the scholarship, Hoffmann established a pioneering Student Loan Repayment Benefit to assist employees in paying down student debt, which disproportionately impacts people of color. Other initiatives include Habitat for Humanity build days, mentorship through the ACE Mentor Program, career fairs, a staff DEI book and film club, a diversity and inclusion blog, school supply/clothing/toy drives, community service at food banks/schools/community gardens, and all-staff DEI trainings. Hoffmann team members serve in leadership roles in advocacy organizations such as the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), Women United, AIA Women in Architecture, and the Builders of Color Coalition.
A Pipeline for the Future
In a statement on social media about the award, the Construction Institute expressed their appreciation for the work Hoffmann Architects + Engineers has done to create possibilities for the next generation of AEC professionals. “The Construction Institute is pleased to award [Hoffmann] the Special Industry Award for their advocacy and leadership, in expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry, increasing representation, and fostering meaningful dialog around equity and belonging.”