Architectural Workers United
Architectural Workers United—the first private sector union of architectural professionals in the U.S.
Sponsored by ASI Group and Vitro Architectural Glass | Presented by Andrew Daley & Danielle Tellez
In September 2022, the staff and management of Bernheimer Architecture announced that they had organized an architectural union, Architectural Workers United—the first private sector union of architectural professionals in the U.S. In this podcast, Bernheimer architects Andrew Daley and Danielle Tellez explain the success of their campaign, the pros and cons of the process, and the ways in which they see unionizing strengthening the industry and, ultimately, benefiting everyone. And they discuss how unionizing—even in small firms—can better work culture and help firms grow and innovate.
Photo courtesy Bernheimer Architecture
The 22-person firm specializes in affordable housing projects in New York, such as One Flushing in Queens, which contains 231 affordable units, 60 of which are dedicated to seniors.
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Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer. |
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in February 2023
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Describe the process of unionizing for Bernheimer Architecture staff and management.
- List some pros and cons Daley and Tellez mention about unionizing in the American workplace.
- Explain the ways in which classism plays into attitudes around architecture and unionization.
- Discuss some of the misconceptions people have about unionizing in small firms and how Daley and Tellez respond to those concerns.
