Women in Architecture: Are We There Yet?
Founder and Principal Architect, Sloane Mayor, has some practical advice for women just starting out: ”Stick with it!” It’s clear throughout the mostly-female MA+KE Architecture Studio that gender isn’t a hindrance to anyone here. But as we celebrate Women’s History Month, and the many contributions made by women, we wonder if enough has changed in our industry to better support all women with the drive to design.
Women still often leave the industry when starting a family. Mayor explains, “The number of women in architecture is increasing, but I see the difficulty they’re still facing. We need a broader societal shift to better support all parents, regardless of gender, so those valuable female minds are not lost in the grind.”
The mission of MA+KE is to design projects that positively benefit people’s lives. The firm culture reflects that vision by prioritizing the real life needs of the team. Flexible schedules in service of a better work-life balance ensure the environment is less competitive and more collaborative. “All of us have equal seats at the (zoom) table. The dominance of the women in our office results in our project work being extremely collaborative,” notes Architect Rebecca Gordon.
Evelyn Chambers, currently working on her masters in Architecture, sees that “every woman here feels empowered and confident in the workplace. There is a general level of respect that isn’t always there when it is male-dominated.”
Project Manager Nesreen Itani believes, “working in a majority women's firm has made our studio culture more enjoyable and understanding. We all work in harmony, as a team. We support each other and understand the important balance of work, family, and personal life.”
A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Nesreen earned her Masters in Architecture in 2003 and is now on the foreign architecture path for licensure in New Hampshire—working to achieve her dream for the second time. ”I believe that every human being has the right to accomplish what they wish for, regardless of gender, race, or faith. If a woman sees herself as an architect, her gender should not be an obstacle to achieve her ambition. Women have the power to make a difference and lead in any profession. Becoming an architect is a formidable job, don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do.”
A well-known New York Times Opinion piece asked the question, “Where Are All the Female Architects?” One look around the MA+KE Studio offers a pretty great answer. Sloane Mayor has persevered. She’s doing what she loves and has created an environment supportive of others with the same goal. More advice? “Find the right firm—or create your own—so it works for you. Be confident and believe in yourself.”
In the enduring words of Mary Tyler Moore, We’re going to MA+KE it after all!