Our DEI Commitment

Since the firm’s inception in 1987, we have committed our practice to performing meaningful work that builds and strengthens our community. We take our responsibility to be a force for good seriously—in the work we do, the relationships we nurture, and the culture we foster. RFM wholeheartedly reaffirms our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Through the dedicated efforts of our JEDI committee, and by intentionally allocating company time and resources to support this work, we have moved beyond words to action—implementing initiatives that have led to measurable, lasting impact both within our firm and in the communities we serve. We are putting our values into practice and investing in a more inclusive future. We hope to distinguish our firm as a better place for our employees, our clients, our community, and our environment. 

Our JEDI committee, formed in 2020, plays a vital role in guiding our firm toward greater equity within the design field. Meeting regularly to collaborate, plan, and grow together, the committee ensures that our values are actively integrated into the fabric of our work. In 2024 alone, 17 staff members contributed over 275 hours to JEDI efforts—a commitment we are proud to carry forward into 2025. 

At RFM, we are committed to putting our money, time, and resources where our values are. Our 2025 JEDI focus includes the following key areas: 

Celebrating and Engaging Locally: We will join our community at Bremerton’s Freedom Festival for Juneteenth this year and host a booth at Kitsap Pride in 2026. These events offer opportunities to build connections, collaborate with like-minded organizations, and demonstrate our support for equity and inclusion. 

Amplifying Women in Design: We will host our fourth annual Women’s Equality Day event. In the past, we’ve organized film screenings and panel discussions featuring local women leaders, supporting greater visibility and opportunity for women in architecture—a field historically dominated by men. 

Giving Back Through Charitable Contributions: Since its inception in 2018, our Charitable Contributions Committee has donated more than $57,000 to local nonprofits including the Kitsap Community Foundation and KidVantage, which supports children’s access to essential care, safety, and learning resources. 

Supporting Future Architects Through Mentorship: We continue our support of the Project Pipeline summer camp, sponsoring and mentoring youth in Seattle since 2022. This program empowers minority—especially Black—youth to shape their communities through design, working to improve diversity and representation in the field. 

Elevating Indigenous Voices: This year, we are proud to host a public screening and discussion of From Earth to Sky at the Roxy Theater in Bremerton. The film showcases Indigenous architects creating sustainable and culturally rooted architecture that uplifts their communities. 

Supporting MWBE-Owned Businesses: We prioritize working with local Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) for design partners/consultants, branded merchandise, and event vendors. In 2024, we gifted staff with woven blankets from Eighth Generation, a Native-owned company. Looking ahead to 2025, we will be issuing a call for consultants specifically aimed at WMBE firms to broaden our partnership opportunities for future design projects and further strengthen our commitment to equity and inclusion in our work. 

Providing Pro-Bono Services: We actively offer design services to nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations. In 2024, we contributed approximately 80 hours in pro-bono work to groups such as The Coffee Oasis, and Habitat for Humanity, and have more than 100 hours of pro-bono work planned for 2025. 

Investing in Staff Education: We’re committed to continuous learning with a focus on social and environmental justice. This year, we’re sending staff to the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) National Conference, the International Mass Timber Conference, and the Living Future Conference—spaces that inspire and challenge us to design a more equitable future. 

By intentionally dedicating both financial and human resources to this work, we’re not just speaking about change—we hope to drive it. JEDI is not a side initiative at RFM; it is central to who we are and how we operate. We believe that justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just aspirational values, but are the foundation for meaningful and lasting transformation. To truly serve our clients and communities, we must listen with intention, elevate diverse voices, and continually challenge the status quo. This is ongoing work, and we remain committed to learning, evolving, and taking action. Together, we can move the needle and create real, lasting impact.