a rising tide

Atelier Cho Thompson is one of the leaders of 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.

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

Asians and Pacific Islanders are missing from leadership. API individuals 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 HBR analysis found that API professionals are the least likely group to be promoted into management — less likely than any other race.

We showcase API designers and bring visibility to their work. We work to elevate API designers to leadership roles. We connect API designers to potential collaborators, clients, and consumers who are increasingly seeking to support diverse voices.

“There is a need for Asian Americans to come together,” says group founder Andy Rah. “When there is momentum, when people get inspired by what we're doing and create different organizations, it creates an ecosystem of like-minded people. That's when change happens.”

- architectural record

“API activism is on the rise, and young designers are asking for change. As our generation rises up in the design professions, we have an obligation to reshape design practice for the better. “says co-founder Ming Thompson.

A Rising Tide

a rising tide

“There is a need for Asian Americans to come together,” says group founder Andy Rah. “When there is momentum, when people get inspired by what we're doing and create different organizations, it creates an ecosystem of like-minded people. That's when change happens.”

- architectural record

“API activism is on the rise, and young designers are asking for change. As our generation rises up in the design professions, we have an obligation to reshape design practice for the better. “says co-founder Ming Thompson.

- architect magazine