DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
Our Mission
WHY
We are rooted in peace. Through design, we strive to break down boundaries to allow access to all.
HOW
Using our professional platform and experiences, we aim to better the world by influencing the architectural community.
WHAT
Liberation for all through equity and opportunity.
OUR DIFFERENCE
- We acknowledge white male privilege promotes inequality.
- We believe everyone deserves a seat at the table.
- We will be catalysts for change.
Since DS Architecture was founded, we have cultivated an environment that supports the inclusion of differing backgrounds and experiences. We believe the best ideas spring from openness and inclusion. As a firm, we are rooted in peace. Through design, we strive to break down barriers and disadvantages to allow access to all. Using our talents and experiences, we aim to better the world by first influencing the AEC industry.
DS Architecture is recognized by the State of Ohio as an EDGE Certified Service Provider: Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) Program. DS Architecture is committed to breaking down barriers and disadvantages to allow access to all. Using our talents and experiences, we aim to better the world by first influencing the AEC industry.
DS Architecture has also been certified as a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) by Disability:IN. Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Their network of over 400 corporations expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. They serve as the collective voice to effect change for people with disabilities in business.
(Disability:IN Website)
DS Architecture is proud to be led by Jeffrey Meyers, a neurodivergent individual who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar is recognized as a disability both by the United States Government and by the state of Ohio. Jeff’s journey to partnership and ultimately sole ownership of a midsize architectural firm has had several obstacles related to his mental health condition. These impediments have created hardships that neurotypical individuals do not have to overcome. DS Architecture believes in educating all clients, consultants, contractors, and potential staff on, not only Jeff’s bipolar diagnosis, but mental health issues in general, within the AEC industry. This education and openness, along with Jeff’s continued medical treatments, further cause disadvantages because of society’s stigma of mental health diagnoses.
DS Architecture firmly believes that supporting neurodivergent individuals (Jeff included) stems from our founder, David Sommers, whose motto was: “People before projects and profit.” Our ongoing conversational openness, educational intentions, and mental health advocacy are now rooted in our firm’s culture.
Our society has never been as supporting and accepting of neurodivergent individuals as it is today. We are lucky to live during these times. But the work continues. It is time to hear the voice of neurodivergence (in the AEC community and beyond) and create a safe space for them/us to be treated equally in our society. Jeff believes that those with neurodivergent minds should not be limited by society’s constraints, but be embraced and encouraged to thrive within it.
If you would like to discuss EDGE, Disability:IN, mental health, or Jeff’s bipolar disorder, please reach out directly to Jeff. He is an open book and happy to answer any questions you may have.
jmeyers@dsarchitecture.com or 216.390.5962
