Grinnell College Statement Regarding Adjaye Associates

Grinnell College is aware of media reports regarding Sir David Adjaye and the culture of work at Adjaye Associates’ offices in London, UK and Accra, Ghana. We are actively monitoring news as it emerges. The College acknowledges that these are serious and troubling allegations.  We are committed to listening to all voices and reassessing any relationship with Adjaye Associates as more information emerges.

Grinnell College’s business relationship with Adjaye Associates began in 2019 when the College commissioned the New York office to design a concept and plans for the College’s Civic Engagement Quad Project, which includes the Renfrow Hall residence hall and the Civic Innovation Pavilion.

The College broke ground for the project in December 2022 and the project is currently under construction at the corner of Broad Street and 6th Avenue in Grinnell, Iowa. The groundbreaking marked the end of the design relationship with Adjaye Associates as oversight transitioned to the architect of record, OPN, an award-winning Midwest design firm. Construction is being carried out by Weitz Co., a top-ranked commercial and industrial contractor based in Des Moines Iowa.