“Failing is good. Mistakes happen & you learn that there are different ways to approach mistakes. You can figure out a way to fix them or it can be an avenue of discovery. This opportunity to discover can be huge, especially for those who tend to play it safe. Dealing with mistakes helps us build confidence and teaches us that it’s ok to try because it’s ok to fail. ”
For the last twenty years, men and women have been graduating at equal rates with architecture degrees. Yet roughly 20% of licensed architects are women. There is a lack of representation of women in senior roles as firm leaders, lead designers or in senior leadership. While gender bias, pay inequality & unaddressed family stress play roles in keeping women from achieving a seat at the table, unfortunately many women leave the profession all together - frustrated with the slow pace of change. The Equity in Architecture survey done by AIA San Francisco’s Equity by Design Committee illustrates a trend of career pinch points that are common to both genders, but pose significant challenges for women - in fact we see the most attrition of women professionals in the first decade after graduation.
Further survey data shows that some early predictors of successful retention include mentoring, purposeful work and training. Powered by the financial support of the Van Evera Bailey Fellowship, a year long study was undertaken to gain insight into the best course of action towards the most impactful of the predictors: the need for further training focusing on construction methods.
The study consisted of researching existing construction training programs; including university design-build studios, private membership supported workshops and public community ed courses. Participating in consistent and intentional outreach efforts to members and organizations within the local community. These included educators, building professionals, community allies & design professionals. All of whom generously provided their insight, advice and encouragement for an ongoing program championing equity by providing opportunities that support women in architecture. Investing personal effort in attending and taking part in many construction related events such as classes at The ReBuilding Center, volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and attending a week long Carpentry for Women class at Yestermorrow Design Build School in Vermont.
As the fellowship concluded, the outcome of the year’s study was the acknowledgment that although the skills and education relative to building were beneficial, the lesson learned was in fact the value of tangential learning. The principles of learning how to fail softly under low stakes, of shaking off perfection to allow for inventiveness, of being comfortable in uncomfortable situations and creating a network of resources - were key resources that could be called upon to counter the daily pressure of the status quo. Balancing these outcomes with broader feedback, survey results from over 60 local professionals helped shape the framework for the final initiative.
Designers Build_pdx is an organization that builds equity by reducing barriers to opportunities that promote construction know-how, hands-on training and professional development to women in architecture. Our mission is to empower women and create a more resilient community of designers by promoting safe spaces to experiment, problem solve & innovate. We do this by organizing classes, offering tours and hosting speakers that provide learning and networking opportunities specifically for women in architecture. Organizing collaborative partnerships where women have the opportunity to build in support of local purpose-driven organizations. Finally, we champion our local community by curating an on-going calendar of building related classes and events.