A Rising Tide

A Rising Tide works to cultivate leadership and increase visibility of Asian and Pacific Islanders working in design for the built environment.

Why?

Design has the power to shape our world for the better. The leaders of our design communities shape buildings, landscapes, and places for us all, and that group should reflect the diversity of society.

Asians and Pacific Islanders are missing from leadership. Asians and Pacific Islanders are entering the design professions in ever-increasing numbers, but we see a notable absence of API designers among industry leaders, including firm partners and principals. A Harvard Business Review analysis of national EEOC workforce data found that API professionals are the least likely group to be promoted into management — less likely than any other race.

What?

We work to showcase API designers and bring visibility to their work.

We work to elevate API designers to leadership roles.

We work to connect API designers to potential collaborators, clients, and consumers who are increasingly seeking to support diverse voices.

“As API designers, you may not see us - but we are here. Part of recognition is acknowledging what is already present.”

— Billie Tsien

Who?

We are a growing collective that seeks to amplify API voices in the design of the built environment. We are architects, landscape architects, urban designers, and interior designers. Our mission is shaped by our Founding Team and thrives with our active membership base.

"As we look to the future to support new generations of Asian designers, I'd like A Rising Tide to also be a place to remember our shared histories."

Megumi Aihara
Co-Founder, Spiegel Aihara Workshop
Ruth Asawa, “Untitled (Wall of Masks)” (detail) (c. 1966–2000), and “Untitled” (c. 1950s), ceramic, bisque-fired clay (© 2020 Estate of Ruth Asawa / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Now what?

We’re in research and learning mode.

We’re listening to voices from across design to understand the needs and opportunities that exist.

We’re planning our first big events. Reach our or join our mailing list to join our movement.

A Rising Tide works to cultivate leadership and increase visibility of Asian and Pacific Islanders working in design for the built environment.

Why?

What?

“As API designers, you may not see us - but we are here. Part of recognition is acknowledging what is already present.”

Who?

"As we look to the future to support new generations of Asian designers, I'd like A Rising Tide to also be a place to remember our shared histories."

Now what?

“Growing up, I didn’t have Asian role models to look up to. Meeting Billie Tsien in my first architecture studio changed the course of my life; I saw that Asian women could be industry leaders, and that we could lead in a way that was true to ourselves.”