F3 Talks / Go Figure : Hosted by Figure3’s Suzanne Wilkinson

DOING BETTER 
WORK THAN WE DID
YESTERDAY


PART 5

Closing out our 5-part series on the importance and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion in design, Suzanne Wilkinson, Principal at Figure3 and Ian Rolston, Founder at Decanthropy discuss the infusion of personal elements to create engaging, equitable spaces.

Throughout the series, Suzanne and Ian have explored the ways in which DEI influences design – from the way designers create spaces, to how people relate to and use the spaces once completed. When people see themselves in the spaces they are occupying, it feels like you’re part of an organization in ways that are meaningful to you. The value of equity work is about using your access and opportunities to do something better than you did yesterday.

Tune in as we conclude our conversation around how design can create feelings of engagement and connection with spaces.

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AUTHENTICITY
OVER PERFECTION


PART 4

One of our priorities here at Figure3 is to express care, honesty, and integrity in everything that we do – both internally, and throughout the design journey with our clients and partners. Perfection in itself is not the end goal, but our intent should be perfect as we navigate the human experience together, reimagine the possible, and prioritize safe, inclusive spaces.

Listen on as we explore how the idea of authenticity over perfection affects design, and the
overall experience of the completed environment.

Building Better Humanity
Is Better Building


PART 3

In part 3, Suzanne and Ian explore the many layers that contribute to creating equitable
experiences, and how companies can embark on this, and touch on all aspects of diversity, equity
and inclusion (DEI). “Above and beyond the physical needs of the space, what do people need
to feel emotionally safe within the space?” explains Ian. “It’s one thing to provide access, but it’s
another thing to understand: what does that access feel like?”

Join our conversation as it evolves to consider accessibility, and how designers hold
a responsibility far beyond aesthetics to encompass DEI within these environments.

Building Better Humanity
Is Better Building


PART 2

Here in part 2, Suzanne and Ian discuss how treating everyone equally does not always translate to being equitable, and the awesome responsibility we have as designers in creating spaces for living and for caring for others. “As my partners and I came together with the team to discuss the concept of equality and fair treatment, it was really eye opening to see the range of interpretations” explains Suzanne Wilkinson, Principal at Figure3. “It became very clear that we need to listen and evolve in order to really impact how we approach DEI in our workplace.”

Follow along as we peel back the layers of corporate culture, personal experience and the heart and soul of how diversity, equity and inclusion can improve all aspects of the work we do – from the brief to the bottom line – these candid conversations encourage a shift in thinking, and prompt us to ask what we can be doing as a business to be better.

A Journey into Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion


PART 1

Here in part 1, Suzanne and Ian discuss a shift in mindset and why bringing diversity to the table is imperative. “When we began the process with Decanthropy, it was really encouraging to hear that my partners and I all had a similar mindset right from the start” explains Wilkinson. “We wanted to do more than just put a DEI statement on our website; we wanted to take the time to learn and reflect on how as a business we can do more to celebrate diversity and ensure equity and inclusion are at the forefront of everything we do.”.