Principal and Co-founder | Work Program Architects
Mel Price is Principal and co-founder of Work Program Architects (WPA). Formed in 2010, WPA is an architecture and urban design practice located in Norfolk, Virginia. A key focus of WPA’s work is placemaking in urban areas, sea level rise and coastal resilience work. WPA is actively engaged in studies that will shape the future redevelopment of the region’s neighborhoods and economic corridors. Mel specializes in community outreach, always finding a way to bring polarized and highly charged groups of stakeholders to common ground where good design and development is embraced by the community. Mel believes strongly in pay transparency as a tool to build diversity and equity within the firm.
Courses
Humans at Work: Where Progressive Firm Cultures and Policies Intersect
Achieving a more diverse workforce requires firms to be deliberate and take measurable actions. A lack of diversity in architecture can be a self-perpetuating cycle that reinforces unconscious biases. A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that makes everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the business, feel equally involved in and supported in all areas of the workplace. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging has evolved from a "nice-to-have" to a mission-critical component for organizations to progress and stay competitive in the global market.
In this session, attendees will hear from representatives from a diverse group of architecture firm sizes and practices who will share their experiences successfully implementing inclusive and equitable firm policies such as salary transparency, inclusive firm policies for LGBTQ+ folks, equitable and inclusive parental leave, and support for early career professionals. Panelists will share their insights in why consideration for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and the needs of individuals is imperative for architects and their communities. This session will have ample Q&A time, allowing for attendees to engage with the panelists.
Hosted by the Young Architects Forum (YAF).
Course expires 10/7/2026
This session was recorded live on October 3, 2023.