The winner of the inaugural MGS Women in Architecture Scholarship in the Faculty of Art and Design at Monash University was recently, Camilla Burke, speaks to Architecture & Design.
Camilla Burke will use the prize money to look at the phenomena of Mega Cities by visiting Moscow, Ghungzhao, Tokyo and Mumbai, supported by structured academic learning.
A&D spoke to some of the women at MGS Architects — Rosanna Blacket; Catherine Ranger; Rita Henshall; Sue Buchanan; Eli Giannini; Maaike Naude; Cecilia Yuan; Helena Norlén; Rilla Healey; Lynette Julian and Shin Yi Thian — about women in architecture.
Fifty percent of students enrolling in architectural degrees are women, yet the number of women who practice has been stated as low. Why do you think this is?
The construction industry has traditionally been male dominated, but women have entered the industry in big numbers in the last 10-20 years.
Architectural education provides a good base set of skills, enabling movement between related fields, especially interior design, industrial design, graphics and visualisation, project management. However the hours remain inflexible because of the deadline nature of delivering projects, so while women have great early career prospects, later when they look for part-time work, it is much more difficult to remain in charge of their projects.
What do female architects bring to a project that is different from male architects?
We don’t see a marked difference. Architecture is reliant on individual characteristics and skills, not gender. A good architect is about being a good communicator, fostering strong and respectful relationships with clients, colleagues and consultants and having confidence in your creativity.
How will the MGS Women in Architecture scholarship help women in architecture?
It will give applicants an opportunity to reflect on their study and future professional aspirations and encourage women in architecture. It is an opportunity to look exclusively at women’s achievements in the university environment.
How did the idea for the scholarship come about?
We observed that a significant number of practices in Melbourne had only men in director and senior leadership positions. Women are extremely under-represented, so MGS felt it could generate change by offering the scholarship.
What else can be done to encourage more women to remain in architectural practice?
Discussions such as these (although incredibly important) are continual, circular and seem to stay in the realm of ‘discussion’. The AIA has some good initiatives in place, including mentoring programs for women, but the onus is on individual firms to actively support female graduates and recognise potential paths for their long-term contribution to the company. Other professional clients and the building industry as a whole, needs to think that women can be in charge of building projects and contribute positively to our environment.
Understanding the idiosyncrasies of the architectural worklife (periods of intense project pressure, long hours and extended project life spans and the difficulties of upholding senior level responsibilities on a part-time basis) is a start, however employers should plan to accommodate the need for flexibility and family life outside the work environment for all.
What advice would you give women in architecture who are just starting their careers?
Make your ambitions in the workplace be known, actively look for mentoring opportunities and get out on-site as much as possible.
