Thrive: A field guide for women in architecture

Architecture needs women to ensure high-quality buildings for society, but their expertise is often overlooked and their work devalued. This practical guide provides guidance, tips, and examples for navigating an architect's career, including education, practice, projects, and promotion. Inspiring case studies of women and women-led practices consider what success means and how to negotiate a route to a fruitful career and a balanced life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: RIBA Publishing

Architecture is a field that greatly benefits from the inclusion and expertise of women. Despite the significant number of women pursuing architectural studies as undergraduates, their representation in the profession remains limited once they become qualified architects. Women's knowledge and skills are often overlooked, their work devalued, and their contributions to the field forgotten. However, the work of women is essential for the sustainability and quality of architecture, as it encompasses a wide range of perspectives and ideas that are crucial for designing buildings that meet the needs of society as a whole.

To address the underrepresentation of women in architecture, it is important to consider the various barriers and challenges they face. Historically, architecture has been a male-dominated field, with few opportunities for women to advance to leadership positions or gain recognition for their work. Additionally, women may face gender discrimination in the workplace, including unequal pay and fewer opportunities for professional development. Furthermore, women may also face challenges in balancing their work responsibilities with family and personal life, which can impact their ability to thrive in the profession.

Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that can be employed to attract, recruit, and retain women in architecture. One approach is to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which can create a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. This can include initiatives such as gender-balanced hiring practices, flexible work arrangements, and mentorship programs that support the career development of women.

Another strategy is to raise awareness about the importance of women's contributions to architecture and to highlight the success of women architects. This can be done through public campaigns, exhibitions, and publications that showcase the work of women architects and their impact on the field. Additionally, women can be encouraged to participate in architectural competitions and awards, which can provide them with valuable recognition and opportunities for professional development.

In addition to these strategies, it is important to provide education and training opportunities that support the career development of women in architecture. This can include scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs that provide women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the profession. It is also important to promote gender equality in the education system, which can help to increase the number of women pursuing architectural studies and ultimately enter the profession.

Furthermore, women can find ways to thrive within the architecture profession by building their networks and seeking out opportunities for collaboration and leadership. This can include joining professional organizations, participating in community projects, and seeking out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Women can also advocate for their rights and interests within the profession, by speaking out against gender discrimination and promoting policies that support diversity and inclusion.

In conclusion, the built environment can be designed without the expert input of half the population, but the absence of women in architecture is a significant loss to the field. By promoting diversity and inclusion, raising awareness about the importance of women's contributions, providing education and training opportunities, and advocating for gender equality, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse architecture profession that benefits from the expertise of all members of society.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 169 x 242 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914124716