Leaders of the American Institute of Architects have issued an apology after their statement supporting President-elect Donald Trump caused outrage across its community.
AIA executive vice president and CEO Robert Ivy and national president Russ Davidson released a joint video in which they admitted that their post-election memo was "tone deaf" and "resulted in hurt and anger by too many people".
"The message that went out was a mistake, and it shouldn't have happened," said Davidson in the video, while issuing reassurances that the organisation is committed to tackling issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and climate change.
Photograph by Gage Skidmore.
The duo's statement, sent out shortly after last week's shock US election result, pledged support for Trump on behalf of its 89,000 members: "The AIA and its 89,000 members are committed to working with President-elect Trump to address the issues our country faces, particularly strengthening the nation's ageing infrastructure. During the campaign, President-elect Trump called for committing at least $500 billion to infrastructure spending over five years. We stand ready to work with him and with the incoming 115th Congress to ensure that investments in schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure continue to be a major priority.
"We also congratulate members of the new 115th Congress on their election. We urge both the incoming Trump Administration and the new Congres...