GRAPHISOFT®, the global leader in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solutions for architecture, has announced a new partnership between its North America office and 400 Forward aimed at diversifying the architecture and urban design professions.
A national non-profit organization, 400 Forward was founded to ensure that young black women interested in becoming architects receive the guidance, outreach, community engagement, and financial backing they need to succeed.
Led by founder and CEO, Tiffany Brown, 400 Forward was named in recognition of the 400th black female becoming a licensed architect in the United States. 400 Forward has embarked on a mission to seek out and support the next 400 licensed, black women architects.
“Our organization was born out of a realization that comprehensive programs that introduce black girls to architecture were lacking,” said Brown. “Technology resides at the heart of how architects coordinate projects. This partnership will help expand our outreach efforts and put powerful tools into the young hands that need it most.”
As software and technology partner for 400 Forward, GRAPHISOFT will empower the organization’s chosen mentees with full access to an education version of Archicad and GRAPHISOFT Learn, the company’s education and learning portal. Live, hands-on training with GRAPHISOFT experts on an on-going basis will strengthen the partnership by providing access to cutting-edge software and technology.
“We are extremely proud to be involved with this effort. Our long-standing commitment to education could not be better served,” said Tracey Gatland, general manager, GRAPHISOFT North America.
“Ensuring equal access to and proficiency with the latest, proven technology in use today in the fields of architecture and design will create a sturdy foundation for 400 Forward to succeed in its goal of empowering the next generation of black female architects.”
