Being Women in Architecture and Design: Challenges, Triumphs, and Opportunities

The architecture and design industry has historically lacked diversity in leadership roles, particularly for women. While female representation has grown over the past decades, women still only account for about 17% of registered architects — despite the fact that roughly half of students in U.S. architecture programs are female.

This Gensler Design Exchange podcast episode features a conversation with three accomplished female leaders at Gensler: Alison Briggs, Danielle Elzahr, and Anat Grimberg. As a senior interior designer and studio directors respectively, they offer valuable perspectives from their diverse experiences, discuss challenges of working in the male-dominated industry, and share stories of navigating important career milestones. The guests also explore how considering various lived experiences enhances design thinking.

By delving into the career journeys of these successful women in architecture and design, listeners will learn about strategies for addressing unfair treatment, balancing career and family, and advocating for oneself. The podcast celebrates the contributions of women in the industry while highlighting the ongoing efforts to create an equitable and inclusive community within the profession.

Top 5 Takeaways

1. Women in the architecture profession face unique challenges.
2. Including diverse perspectives is key in both design and leadership.
3. It’s crucial to address issues directly rather than ignoring unfair situations.
4. Support is imperative to establish work-life balance as a working mother.
5. Representation can encourage other women entering the field.