Global Leaders Committed to Eliminating Forced Labor
In fall 2017, CEO and Founder of Grace Farms Foundation, Sharon Prince, and the late Bill Menking, prolific professor, curator, and Founding Editor-in-Chief of The Architect’s Newspaper, discussed the fact that acknowledging forced labor in the building materials supply chain or what could be done to eliminate it was not on the industry’s agenda.
From their initial conversation at the SANAA-designed Grace Farms in New Canaan, Connecticut, they corralled leading principals across the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors for the Design for Freedom Working Group. Since then, an expanding group of more than 80 experts and leaders from sectors that actualize or influence the built environment joined the Design for Freedom movement. Design for Freedom reimagines architecture by raising awareness and inspiring responses to disrupt forced labor in the building materials supply chain.
Comprising nearly 80 acres of natural landscapes in New Canaan, CT, Grace Farms is free and open to the public six days a week for indoor and outdoor activities for intergenerational audiences. Opened in 2015, Grace Farms is home to nature trails, restored meadows, and a diverse natural habitat that invites exploration and reflection. Additionally, it is the site of the internationally recognized, architecturally significant River building, designed by the Pritzker-prize winning firm SANAA. The River building, which is nestled into the landscape, features five separate glass-encased volumes that create stunning 360-degree views as well as diverse opportunities for visitors to experience the spaces. The volumes are the venue for public programs all year long that highlight and deepen connections to the work we do here. At Grace Farms, visitors can explore nature trails, come together for a meal, enjoy a moment of peace, and appreciate the architecture of the River building, all in a single day.
Yao, Kim, AIA | ARO, Principal and AIA NY 2020 President
Yoshida, Shohei | Shohei Yoshida and Associates, Principal
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
Dodge, Sarah | AIA, Senior VP of Advocacy & Relationships
Prosky, Benjamin | AIA NY & Center for Architecture, Executive Director
GRACE FARMS FOUNDATION
Prince, Sharon | CEO and Founder
Thatcher, Chelsea | Founding Creative Director and Chief Advancement Officer
Rizzo, Nora | Ethical Materials Director
Rapuano, Elizabeth | Director of Communications
Sikora, Ashley | Director of Marketing
Cleary, Eavan Michele | Director of Brand Design
Khattabi, Rod | Chief Accountability Officer and Justice Initiative Director
Reynolds, Alina Marquez, Esq. | General Counsel and Justice Initiative Senior Advisor
In Honor of William Menking, (1947- 2020) Co-Founder of the Design for Freedom Working Group and Founding Editor-in Chief of The Architect’s Newspaper
“Bill’s well-tested observation that architects are really well meaning and are taught to make the world a better place, and his commitment to inspire leading architects to step up for slave-free buildings was instrumental in galvanizing our early Working Group.
We will move forward with his wonderful enthusiasm and fervor.” — Sharon Prince, CEO and Founder, Grace Farms Foundation
A symbol of freedom across time and cultures, the Design for Freedom hummingbird emblem embodies the spirit of survivors and our role in safeguarding them. The hummingbird’s vibrant colors, piercing gaze, and uplifted wings exude a relentless energy and optimism. A silhouette forms from the shape of the hummingbird and poignantly reminds us of the modern slavery that has been hidden in plain sight for too long.
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Discover Grace Farms Foods, a certified B Corp premium tea and coffee company that gives 100% of its profits to supporting the work of Design for Freedom and ending forced labor worldwide.
