AIA NY publishes Ruth Ro’s Op-ed: The Power of Language
The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter’s magazine, Oculus, ran a provocative and inspiring Op-Ed by Ruth Ro, Partner, in their current issue. The Winter 2025 issue is themed around Architecture and Communication, and Ruth’s op-ed is titled The Power of Language. Ruth has been a vocal advocate for social justice and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the building industry, and she helps lead our EDI committee.
Ruth ‘s thoughtful take on the power of language is based on her personal experiences leading teams and projects – and her commitment to fostering environments where equity, justice, and inclusion are foundational. She believes that how we communicate is as significant as what we communicate, especially in engaging diverse communities.
“Architecture is a discipline of translation: of human needs into physical spaces, aspirations into design solutions, and abstract ideas into built realities. But before we can design, we need to bridge gaps in understanding, reconcile differing priorities, and find a shared language, one that prioritizes winning hearts over winning arguments. The most successful projects are those in which all stakeholders see themselves in the final design. This success requires more than technical expertise or creative vision—it demands the courage to listen, learn, and build connections through meaningful conversations.”
