To address the wide range of DEI issues, GBD has developed the firm-wide Equity by Design (ExD) initiative. This initiative enables a series of committees and programs that work to grow the firm’s understanding and responsibilities in creating more equitable outcomes for all staff and the broader community.

The Education Committee’s work is focused on continuing Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) education for all GBD employees. We coordinate regular speakers and trainings for the firm addressing a range of DEI subjects and issues. We also explore opportunities for education locally in our community to learn about Portland’s history and ongoing evolution.

The Equitable Spending Committee was formed within ExD after GBD became a member of Portland Means Progress in 2020. The primary goal of the Equitable Spending Committee is to develop protocols to spend the firm’s money intentionally within the community, by purchasing goods and services locally from businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), the LGBTQIA+ Community, and Women.

The Equity Lens Committee is helping GBD design more equitable projects. We are implementing a framework to guide how the firm’s projects are selected, developed, and assessed to increase the participation of, and reduce burdens on, marginalized communities in Portland and other project areas.

The Certifications Committee works to help GBD grow using national benchmarking tools such as the Corporate Equality Index, JUST certification, and the B-Corp designation. The committee’s ongoing work includes studying whether GBD can participate in the certification process and identifying what measures the firm can adopt. The committee’s goal is not to adopt as many certifications as possible but to thoughtfully target effective measures that help GBD become (and remain) a more equitable place for all.

With diverse skills and viewpoints, we are better designers which better serves our clients and communities. The Recruiting Committee strives to diversify the GBD community through intentional and inclusive staff recruitment and retention and continually evolves strategies shifting from passive to active recruitment approaches at universities across the western U.S.. The Committee is also engaged in expanding GBD’s recruitment messaging applying updated language on the firm’s social media and website to support an inclusive culture in which all employees feel valued, have equal opportunity, and can achieve their maximum potential.