Women in Architecture: 6 Women Advise on How to Break Into Male-Dominated Field

Architecture, like many professions, continues to be male-dominated.

Yet, in recent years, research has shown that the amount of women in the profession is growing. A 2016 census published by Parlour, a research-based advocacy organisation working for equity in architecture and the built environment, revealed that the number of registered female architects grew four percent from 2011 to 2016. That same report also showed that women are increasingly becoming practice owners, growing from 13 to 17 percent in the five-year time span.

Owning a business comes with its array of challenges. For women in the industry, those challenges are often multiplied.

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we spoke with six women in our community who are breaking the glass ceiling and making waves in the industry.

We asked them two questions:

1. How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

2. What is one tip you would give to other women looking to start their own practice?

Here’s what they had to say.

KATE FITZGERALD, WHISPERING SMITH ARCHITECTURE

How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

By having equal numbers of women in positions of power, as Directors etc. I wouldn’t rely on ‘architecture’ to be more inclusive as it’s male-run and owned. Once it’s 50% female owned and led, we won’t be asking this question anymore. 

What is one tip you would give to other women looking to start their own practice?

a). There’s no glass ceiling in your own practice; and
b). “Women are working for companies that were designed for their fathers” (Melinda Gates)

Every woman that becomes a Director has the knowledge of what it feels like to be discriminated against, and she is uniquely positioned to fix the problems in architecture by building, owning and running a new kind of business. Female-led businesses are shaped by true empathy through experience and perspective, not just a tacked on and policy-driven echo of it. That’s how we’ll build a new profession that’s inclusive, rather than waiting around for the change in the profession we’ve already got.

CATHY HARVEY, CATHY HARVEY ARCHITECT

How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

Women will need to make architecture more inclusive by standing up, stepping forward and speaking up. Being seen and heard in all places is important. Some people are great at speaking loudly, others contribute quietly and steadily. All these contributions are part of the tapestry and richness of diversity. This visibility will give confidence and inspiration to others to join and redress the gender imbalance. We need to give each other a hand-up into the light.

What is one tip you would give to other women looking to start their own practice?

Be brave, give that little, doubting voice in your ear a rest and let the confident, aspirational voice have a turn!

ANNE HINDLEY, HINDLEY & CO.

How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

We work in the private residential area, which is already very inclusive to women. I think it has been an advantage being a woman in this field. The development space, on the other hand, can be quite a hostile environment that has traditionally operated on more masculine stereotypes such as aggression over collaboration. I would like to see more female developers bring their own approaches to the scene.

What is one tip you would give to other women looking to start their own practice?

Get a mentor to help structure and systemise well from the beginning. It takes years and years to figure out what works and what does not, so any head start you can get will be well worth it.

JEAN GRAHAM, WINTER ARCHITECTURE

How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

In an equal society, it shouldn’t make a difference. However, if employers want to harness and nurture women in the workplace, they have to be more open to part-time and flexible arrangements. That flips over to males as well. There’s a gender assumption that’s not necessarily accurate.

What is one tip you would give to other women looking to start their own practice?

Team up with like-minded colleagues and architects. Women lack confidence in the industry and we try and fit a mold that isn’t designed for us. It’s challenging to run a business and it’s also quite isolating. There is room for collaboration if you don’t feel confident to go out on your own just yet.

(Photo credit: Sayher Heffernan)

ROSALIE PECH EVA, OFFICE OF REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE

How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

By acknowledging that a career in architecture for women may not be linear, and does not need to be linear, to be a fulfilling and worthwhile career, with an equal emphasis on familial or artistic or academic other responsibilities.

What is one tip you would give to other women looking to start their own practice?

Starting your own practice gives you the power to decide what kind of practice, career and life you are going to have. Make sure you design it carefully, that you design it to be profitable, and to be more than a job for yourself could ever be.  

BEC KEMPSTER, ARCHIBIZ

How can architecture be more inclusive to women?

Like most industries, one of the best ways architecture can provide better pathways for women is for employers to embrace flexible working practices and provide greater support for parents (both females and males) looking to return to the profession after having families. It’s also important that we work towards removing the old school boys club mentalities that have always had a stronghold on the construction and property development industries in this country.

What is one tip you would give to women looking to start their own practice?

Three words…. behave as if!

Behave as if this is a business, not a job or freelance gig.
Behave as if you are a leader, in addition to being a technician.
Behave as if you are on the pathway to realising your vision to work with the clients you want for the fees you want, rather than merely bouncing from project to project.

 

 

 

 

 If you’re looking for more tips, strategies and advice on how you can lead a profitable and impactful architecture practice, check out our Programs and Courses. Alternatively, you can contact us directly by filling out this form, and we’ll find a time to chat about your needs and how Archibiz can help.