Women in Architecture PHL

Client

Women in Architecture Philadelphia, AIA Philadelphia

Women in Architecture Philadelphia (WIAPHL) is an initiative within the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to promote and develop women design professionals. Newly named Co-Chairs had a goal of building an interdisciplinary design community and sought a cohesive brand for cross channel event announcements.

Building Community with Content

In order to build a following and increase engagement on Instagram, WIA PHL would need content beyond bi-monthly event announcements. Knowing that design professionals are a learned and culture-hungry bunch, I suggested a content type called, “Watch, Listen, Visit,” in which WIA PHL could recommend media, exhibits, and experiences to their followers. The client agreed that this content type matched the audience and their complementary goals of building community and starting conversations.

Social Media Templates were created for the following content types:

Events

Post-Event

Pull Quote

Thank You

Special Event

Speed Mentoring (2)

Herstory Month

Pantsuit Party

Listen/Watch/Visit

Templates

Events and opportunities are announced through Instagram and AIA Philadelphia’s website, in addition to TicketLeap and EventBright. Part of project handoff included templates for creating consistent assets to push out across channels.

Identity

The color palette is built around the “AIA Red” used by AIA National and avoids being overtly feminine while using lavender to nod to soft pink and blue of the Trans Rights flag. While “Women” in Architecture is the current name of the group and gender equality in the profession has a long way to go, I recognize the potential for exclusion inherent in the name and mission statement of the group.

Beyond feeling that the name Public Sans is apropos for architects and WIA, the face itself is designed for public communications and is adjacent to the kinds of faces architects are comfortable with, minus the sterility. I chose a chunky monospace and a kooky san serif to balance Public Sans. The illustration style is mid century modern with a hand drawn line, asterisks that nod to Ray and Charles Eames, and Matisse paper-cut inspired edges to fields of color.