International Women’s Day is celebrated the world over as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and contributions to the world, whilst acknowledging how far we have come and how far we have to go to achieve equality. The girls at LBA are lucky to have a female mentor in Lynsay, who champions career development and offers invaluable flexible working for those juggling careers with family life. Our female team members now outweigh male here, so having our voices heard is no challenge! As IWD approaches, we wanted to take the opportunity to chat to the gifted gals of LBA to find out what the day means to them.
JOANNE
Joanne joined the practice in summer 2019 with a strong background in hotel and office, and is leading the practice in establishing a firm position in the commercial sector.
What does International Womens Day mean to you?
It’s a chance to think about what it means to be a woman in todays society, how far we’ve come and what we can do to shape the future.
Which woman has most inspired you and why?
Alexandria Ocasio-Crotez has been inspirational over the past few years. Elected at the youngest women ever to Congress, she’s been fearless in the way she has challenged the status quo without sacrificing her ideals.
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
To take more challenges and to not worry about speaking up to voice my opinion!
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
As with almost any form of bias increasing representation is key. If we can look and see other women in different roles, roles that inspire or that we can aspire to be in can make the most significant change.
EMILY
Emily was one of the first official LBA employees, joining Lynsay in 2015 after four years in Beijing. Emily has worked with Lynsay to grow the practice, creating long-lasting professional relationships with private clients and developers. She leads a team of graduates and technicians and specialises predominantly in the conservation, restoration and creative reuse of listed buildings.
Which woman has most inspired you and why?
I admire many people for different reasons and I try to surround myself by people who inspire me, I can’t single out one as the women in my life are all so strong in their own way.
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes and don’t underestimate yourself, go big!
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
I believe everyone should live by how you want to be treated, for me, be kind, have compassion, respect others, work hard and champion others achievements. If our younger generations are taught this, hopefully parity can ultimately be achieved.
SAMANTHA
Samantha - or better known as Sami in the office - joined LBA as a fresh graduate in summer 2017, completing her part 3 in record time the next year. She is now leading in a number of projects involving the conservation and development of existing buildings.
What does International Womens Day mean to you?
Celebrating equality and women’s achievements.
Which woman has most inspired you and why?
I recently read Michelle Obama’s autobiography ‘Becoming’ and was very inspired by her story. She has become an amazing advocate for women and girls across the world, encouraging success and active lifestyles and raising two daughters of her own, despite the harsh and constant media attention surrounding her family. It’s a great read!
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
Have confidence in what you do and always trust your gut.
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
Encouraging and supporting women to grow and become leaders in the industry.
CLARE
Clare joined the practice around a year ago, after spending several months immersed in a Danish community build project. Clare, alongside our colleague Chiara, has spent much of the last year immersed in a self led research project, engaging with the community to explore private and communal housing and forming a sustainable, affordable and desirable hybrid solution. Clare is using this engagement experience in her current projects, delivering a community led masterplan and a specialist teaching and living environment.
What does International Womens Day mean to you?
It’s great to celebrate women’s achievements but ultimately this needs to be done all year around, and for men and women alike. We need all genders to work together and celebrate each other to achieve real equality.
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
Enjoy the journey, and stay true to your values. Try to always see the bigger picture.
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
Have more bosses like Lynsay, not just in Architecture, but across the whole construction industry. Gender equality in Architecture seems to have come a long way, but it appears other sectors in the industry are still very male dominated.
GEMMA
Gemma joined the office in late 2019, previously working on a freelance basis for a London practice as she raised her young son. Gemma’s role has been tailored specifically to allow flexible working around childcare. She is collaborating with the team on a number of schemes - producing designs, visuals and feasibility studies.
What does International Womens Day mean to you?
The fact that it needs to exist shows there’s still a long way to go before real equality is achieved. It’s a step in the right direction.
Which woman has most inspired you and why?
Alexandra Ocasio Cortez - young, outspoken, and sticking it to the Man!
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of designing - trust yourself more.
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
Model more practices on LBA?! ie. accommodate parents and their needs without guilt or pressure to allow women to continue developing their careers after they become mothers.
CHIARA
Chiara joined us in 2018 after a break to paint her way around the world. She is a very talented artist and designer, producing LBA’s unique atmospheric visuals. Chiara is currently working towards her part 3 qualification, juggling a number of residential and commercial projects whilst studying in her “free” time.
What does IWD mean to you?
IWD is a chance to take time to reflect on the achievements of women in my life and come together to celebrate these and be inspired by others.
Which woman has most inspired you and why?
Of recent note I have been inspired by Shelly McNamara and Yvonne Farrell, of Grafton architects,who have been awarded the 2020 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Having listened to them speak in Edinburgh last year, the dynamic duo told their story of how the practice had evolved and grown to complete works internationally. They expressed to not be afraid push yourself outside of what you know and go for it. I was left with an overwhelmingly positive feeling of what women could achieve in the field. It was clear to see that the pair had clearly supported each other throughout their career. This collaborative relationship and empowerment of each other has led them to the success they have had today. They are a great example of two women working together at the top of their profession.
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
During my first placement year at university I contemplated doing an apprenticeship with a builder however resisted as was afraid I wouldn’t be taken seriously. As a designer who understands through making I think this could have been a beneficial experience although its never too late. I would say if you want to pursue something do it, don’t overthink it.
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
Continue to encourage women to pursue leadership roles and for practice culture to be increasingly accommodating around family life.
KIRSTY
Kirsty joined the office in early summer 2019, moving from an architectural role to marketing and PR. She keeps our website and social media accounts up to date, prepares tender bids and award submissions, designs promotional materials and organises events.
What does International Womens Day mean to you?
A time to reflect on why it exists at all - to look at how far we’ve come and how far we have to go, and a chance to celebrate the amazing things women are doing.
Which woman has most inspired you and why?
Jameela Jamil is doing great things at the moment for feminism and body positivity, whilst giving a voice to those under-represented in the media and society..
What advice would you give your former self starting out in your career?
Take your time to figure out what you really enjoy and don’t just jump into something because you don’t know what else to do!
What actions can we take to tackle gender bias in architecture?
The main issue women have in business is confidence - practices need to be making an effort to help build this. More female presence on site, more women chairing meetings, more women in well earned senior positions. Also in business generally - if men taking shared parental leave became the norm, maybe there would be a level playing field when it comes to hiring and promotion