A message for Woman’s Month

I can’t remember exactly when I decided to make Architecture my career. I remember the pressure I felt when I needed to make the choice of what to study after school in grade 11. My father is a electronic engineer and my mom an artist. Architecture seemed to be a blend of their passions making it feel somehow familiar. Although it was a rather unstudied choice, it continues to resonated with me. As long as I can remember I have been fascinated by the intricate detail of the world around me. A quiet fascination with what makes something beautiful. Architecture requires deep observation and a compulsion to make even the most simple of designs beautiful. It was a natural choice.

I grew up in home full of men, my mom and I where out numbered by my three brothers and father. I was treasured like a young lady but intellectually challenged as an equal to my brothers. I never felt that I was somehow less than. Within my own family I was outspoken and sure of myself however out in the real world I was a self conscious introvert.

The world of Architecture is not kind to someone who is not assertive. It seemed that somehow the men around me could through sheer determination believe they were good at what they did. As if they were born to be Architects. In contrast it took me a long time to slowly grow my knowledge and to allow myself to internalize that I could be good in this career. That being assertive was not a prerequisite to being a great designer. That I can contribute to this profession by being myself. I think many woman have similar struggles. It’s an industry that favors the bold and self assured above competency.

However the older I get the more I realize how important it is to be introspective. The role of an Architect is complex and requires life long study. The more you learn the more you reveal what you don’t know. Good design comes through asking the right questions before formulating a solution. We need a diversity of voices and temperaments to fully unpack a problem. A woman’s voice can sometimes be softer than the men around her. However along with the bold statements we also need the empathic whispers that keeps our profession relevant.