Rebecca Brown, Architect (Placemaking team)
What do you think organisations should focus on to improve diversity? Although there are lots of women entering architecture at university level, there is still a distinct drop off in those maintaining careers in the industry. This means fewer female bosses or people in senior roles which is really important to having influential female voices in the industry. Issues like having children and the effect it has on your career need to be thought about; from raising maternity pay above the minimum to considering how time away from the profession can stop being a hindrance on progression. We need to make architecture a long-term prospect for women, not just an early career that’s later abandoned.
What’s one message you would send to young women thinking about a career in placemaking? There are lots of us out there! Although the construction industry is still quite male dominated, this is changing all the time. Roughly 50% of my university undergraduate course (started in 2012) members were women compared to around 26% in 1995. So don’t worry that you’ll be the only lady at the table, our numbers are growing all the time.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve ever been given? The average person spends 3,515 full days working – which is a long time! Therefore, don’t waste that time doing something boring. Do something you are passionate about!