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Equity Research + Public Practice

October 16, 2025 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM

Higgins Hall Auditorium

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The image shows the exterior of the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center at dusk. The building features modern architecture with large glass windows and a facade adorned with vertical slats, illuminated by soft lighting. The name of the center is prominently displayed in white lettering at the front, while a person walks by in the foreground. Surrounding greenery and pathway lighting enhance the inviting atmosphere.
Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center
 Photo Credit: Garrett Rowland
A spacious modern lobby featuring a mix of dance students and adults engaged in various activities. Two dancers in black leotards practice poses while another child plays on the floor. Several people are gathered near a reception area, with a brown brick wall and large windows in the background. The space is well-lit with a sleek design, showcasing comfortable seating arrangements.
Debbie Allen Dance Academy,© Gensler

Equity Research + Public Practice examines how design research can inform architectural practice and become a transformational force for positive change. Drawing from the work of the Gensler Research Institute’s Center for Research on Equity and the Built Environment, we will explore how research can foster a deeper understanding of social inequity and how, through practice, we can respond with intentional, inclusive, compelling and impactful design solutions.

Roger Smith, AIA, NOMA

Roger Smith is a Principal and Design Director with over 30 years of experience dedicated to strengthening communities through the power of design. His work spans a wide range of local and international project types, including master planning, mixed use development, multifamily residential, and museums. As Co-Director of the Gensler Research Institute’s Center for Research on Equity and the Built Environment, he champions the integration of research and design as a tool for pursuing equity, rooted in enhancing human experience and engaging community. Roger has also served as adjunct professor of architecture at NJIT, Kean University, and the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Master of Architecture degree.

Lisa Cholmondeley, FAIA, NOMA

Lisa Cholmondeley is a global design leader with 29 years of experience advancing inclusive architectural practice across cultures, disciplines, and project types. She leads complex teams, bridging theory and application through equity-driven research and public practice. Trained as an architect with deep expertise in interiors, Lisa believes successful design tells a unified story inside and out. Her work focuses on spatial justice, diversity, and the evolving nature of design. A frequent speaker and writer, she inspires through thought leadership and cross-cultural engagement, bringing a passion for space, people, and the transformative power of design.

After Lisa Cholmondeley and Roger Smith’s presentation, Dr. Eliana Abu-Hamdi, Pratt’s Vice Provost for Research and Strategic Partnerships, will offer a response then engage them on the work of Gensler Research Institute’s Center for Research on Equity and the Built Environment.