Discussions on Women in Architecture

We sat down to chat with six members of the Darling Associates team to discuss different aspects of life working in architecture and the state of the industry.

Kate Moore, Director

Valia Gliati, Project Director

Tabby Bhuiyan, Project Director

Jane Hilling, Architect

Kate Jones, Architect

Katherine Bracey, Architectural Assistant (Part 1)

Who or what inspired you to get into architecture?

“Having OCD and growing up in a chaotic city like Athens made me obsess about transforming my surroundings. From innocent observation, I moved naturally in my head onto criticising and imagining my interventions.”

Valia Gliati, Project Director

Do you encounter sexism in your role as an architect?

“Rarely. Although being a parent now shows me how much harder it is for women to succeed if trying to have a family life as well.”

Tabby Bhuiyan, Project Director

“I have done in the past, mainly on site rather than in the office.”

 Katherine Bracey, Part I Architectural Assistant

“All the time, especially on site, although it’s better than it was as the younger generation are more accepting. I spent many years being the only woman at meetings and one of the very few women on site (I was a rarity for a long time as being one of the very few female architects permanently based on sites).”

Jane Hilling, Architect

“Not directly, However I do appreciate that construction is a male dominant industry which naturally welcomes more male architects on a social level.”

Valia Gliati, Project Director

What is the best piece of advice you have been given relating to architecture or design?

“Don’t waste energy in a project team to find who to blame when there is a problem. Work together to find a solution. Everyone will be much happier / less stressed that way!”

Tabby Bhuiyan, Project Director

“’Don’t become an architect’ – because it makes you question your motives/reasons from the outset and helps you become more resolute which can only be a good thing as no-one is going to give you a free/easy ride!”

Jane Hilling, Architect

“Pick your battles.”

Valia Gliati, Project Director

Would you encourage other women to pursue a career in architecture? Why?

“Absolutely. It’s an exciting career path with plenty of opportunity- you just need to seize them (and find a practice that will foster young talent). It was very refreshing when I started my first day at Uni doing Part 1, we were the first year at Manchester to ever have over 50% women! I think this percentage is starting to be reflected in practice. Slowly…”

Katherine Bracey, Part I Architectural Assistant

“I encourage men and women to pursue a career in architecture if they truly have passion for it. The benefits in architecture are not matching by any means other sectors. Our reward is what we create through our work in many instances.”

Valia Gliati, Project Director

What actions do you think could help improve gender parity across the industry?

“Encouraging women from school age and ensuring/ improving a work/life balance for working mothers is in place. I think reducing the length of full time study involved would help draw a more equal balance of men/women qualifying as Architects.”

Kate Jones, Architect

“Although it’s still early days in my career, and I’ve not yet reached this stage, it’s apparent that because the training of an architect takes so long, and as a result so does climbing the ladder, often a compromise occurs when women want to start a family. Depending on your life choices of course, it seems it can be difficult to balance both. I’m incredibly ambitious and I will endeavour to do everything I can to have my cake and eat it too, but I know it will be challenging when the time comes.  I think the industry should be open to women having a family whilst also being career minded. Firms should offer opportunity, encouragement and information on how this balance can be achieved. Admittedly it’s very daunting as a prospective female architect heading into the industry- feeling like compromises may have to be made in the future, when really this is not the case.”

Katherine Bracey, Part I Architectural Assistant

Have you noticed any significant changes in attitudes towards women in the industry?

“Superficially yes – I still think there is an underlying issue, but the same could be said for a lot of industries. There are some good firms with a positive attitude and there are a lot more women working in all parts of the industry e.g. the ASH team has a healthy gender balance at all levels.”

Jane Hilling, Architect

“Yes – contractors are much more used to working with female architects then when I first started in the industry – it was usual to walk into a site cabin and be presented with several playboy calendars on the walls – supplied by some tool maker or the other – and there were never female WC’s – now it is normal to have female contractors on site and the facilities are equal. Client entertainment used to be far more male orientated, golf days and worse but now it is much improved.”

Kate Moore, Director

“It is now far more common to see female architects in senior roles, which is great.”

Tabby Bhuiyan, Project Director