Accelerating action ahead of IWD with Danica Garizio

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Architecture & Design sits down with Danica Garizio, Director of Architecture at mckimm, to discuss architecture and feminism.

With a career built on passion, perseverance, and innovation, Garizio shares her insights on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of accelerating action to create a more inclusive and dynamic industry.

Image: Cowper Residence by mckimm / Timothy Kaye

Architecture & Design: Can you share your journey to becoming the Director of Architecture at mckimm and the challenges you’ve overcome along the way? 

Danica Garizio: My desire to become an architect began early, as I was fortunate to have hands-on exposure through working with my father. This sparked a genuine interest in the built environment. 

My journey to becoming Director of Architecture at mckimm started while I was studying an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at RMIT University. I began working at mckimm a few days a week, where I learned the foundational skills of architecture. 

This included preparing plans for town planning and understanding the intricacies of construction documentation. As I progressed through my bachelor’s degree, my role at mckimm evolved, allowing me to manage projects and engage with clients, applying my academic knowledge in real-life scenarios. 

In 2019, I completed my master’s degree at RMIT. During this time, I worked full-time as Design Manager, honing my time management and leadership skills while overseeing teams and various projects. Earning my AIA architecture registration was a pivotal moment. 

This led to my promotion, becoming Director of Architecture. In this role, I have embraced greater leadership and creative responsibility. Mentorship, from my father and the mckimm team, has been instrumental to my growth, and my commitment to continuous learning has driven my success in the field. 

How does the theme of International Women’s Day 2025 ‘Accelerate Action’, resonate with your role in architecture? 

The theme of International Women’s Day 2025, ‘Accelerate Action’, resonates strongly with my role in architecture as it embodies the urgency of moving beyond goals and ideas, and turning them into tangible, impactful solutions. 

For me, ‘Accelerate Action’ speaks to the importance of continuously pushing forward, testing new ideas, and working collaboratively. It's about being proactive, and efficient, and using every learning moment to keep evolving. In architecture, action is key. The sooner we test, iterate, and adjust, the faster we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and create meaningful, forward-thinking spaces. 

Balancing my studies with full-time work reinforced the importance of staying proactive. While earning my degrees and working at mckimm, I focused on applying real-time learning to accelerate my growth. This mindset helped build the foundation of expertise that led to my role as Director of Architecture. 

In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing women in architecture today, and how can the industry address them? 

The perception of women in architecture is evolving in a powerful and positive way. While challenges remain in overcoming ingrained gender biases, particularly in leadership, women are increasingly recognised for their expertise, innovation, and impact in the field. 

At mckimm, we are proud to be part of this transformation. We foster an environment where women are empowered to lead, collaborate, and excel. Our culture is built on mutual respect and active listening, ensuring every contribution is valued equally. By championing diverse perspectives and creating opportunities for growth, we are shaping a more inclusive industry – one where women are not only heard but celebrated as leaders in architecture. 
 

Image: Moda Penthouse by mckimm / Timothy Kaye

Could you discuss a project that you are particularly proud of and how it reflects your design philosophy? 

One of my proudest projects is Dune, a private villa in Dubai currently under construction for an existing client. Having previously worked on a development project for them, earning their trust to design their home was an incredible honour. Their confidence in our expertise has made this experience rewarding and highlights the collaborative nature of the design journey. 

Working in Dubai has been especially fulfilling due to the professionalism, respect, and support for women in architecture, making this project even more meaningful. The client’s trust in our team has reinforced a positive and inclusive work environment. 

The design of Dune is centred on integrating built form with nature, featuring a pavilion-style layout that maximizes natural light and passive ventilation, essential for Dubai’s climate. Biophilic principles create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, enhancing well-being and strengthening the residents' relationship with their environment. 

How do you approach mentorship and support for emerging female architects within your firm? 

I always ensure I sit down with the team and take the time to guide them through the design process, ensuring alignment with the brief, regulations, and project vision. This fosters knowledge transfer and empowers team members to take ownership as projects evolve. 

Mentorship is integral, with project architects leading portfolios, preparing drawings, and collaborating with consultants, developing technical and leadership skills, particularly for emerging female architects. 

Open dialogue in design huddles strengthens collaboration and innovation. Seeing team members achieve registration is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. To support wellbeing, we have introduced ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ at mckimm, encouraging self-care and balance while reinforcing an inclusive, supportive workplace. 

What strategies do you employ to foster innovation and creativity in your architectural designs? 

Each week, our close-knit design team gathers for a ‘design huddle’ over coffee, reviewing projects, discussing challenges, and refining ideas. These sessions encourage collaboration, ensuring every voice is heard while pushing design concepts forward. 

Inspiration comes from industry leaders, peers, and the world around us. We study architectural innovations while evolving our own approach. Travel and time outdoors offer fresh perspectives, whether it’s exploring a city’s built environment or immersing ourselves in nature, these experiences shape our design thinking. 

How do you balance aesthetic appeal with functionality and sustainability in your projects? 

At mckimm, great design goes beyond aesthetics, it ensures functionality, sustainability, and a strong connection to place. Biophilic design is integral to this approach, integrating natural light, greenery, and organic materials to enhance well-being and create spaces that feel both grounded and inspiring. It also supports sustainability by improving energy efficiency through passive ventilation and responsible material selection. 

We carefully consider solar orientation and passive cooling to reduce reliance on energy-intensive systems. By optimising a building’s positioning for natural light and airflow, we enhance thermal performance and reduce energy demand. Where possible, we incorporate photovoltaic panels, harnessing renewable energy to further reduce environmental impact. 

Can you share an experience where you had to navigate gender biases in your career, and how did you handle it? 

Throughout my career and studies, I have witnessed a positive shift toward a more inclusive and equitable environment in the architecture industry. While there is still more work to be done, gender biases and stereotypes are being broken down. 

In a field where historically, women have been underrepresented, building and maintaining self-assurance as a woman in architecture has been my strongest tool. By trusting in my abilities and expertise, I actively work towards shifting the narrative and challenging stereotypes. 

For me, the importance of diverse representation in shaping the future of architecture is crucial for breaking down barriers. With self-assertion, we can effectively communicate ideas, challenge the status quo, and advocate for our position in the industry to be respected. 

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of architecture? 

To young women pursuing architecture, confidence in their abilities is key. Challenges will arise, and projects may feel like unsolvable puzzles, but persistence leads to breakthroughs. 

Don’t let setbacks discourage you, overcoming them is part of the journey. Networking is also essential. Build relationships with peers, professionals, and mentors, as these connections will provide support and open opportunities. 
Most importantly, embrace what makes you unique. Your creativity, perspective, and passion will shape your path. The journey may not always be easy, but with perseverance, your voice will help shape the future of architecture. 

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of architecture, particularly concerning women’s roles in the industry? 

I aspire to see a more inclusive and diverse architecture industry, shaped by self-assured women, particularly in leadership positions. Achieving this requires breaking down stereotypes and challenging gender biases that limit advancement. 

By redefining leadership in architecture, we can create an industry that reflects the diverse world we design for. As more women advance into leadership roles with confidence, the industry will become more collaborative, empathetic, and sustainable. This shift will not only benefit the built environment but also foster a profession where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 


Image: mckimm Director of Architecture Danica Garizio / supplied