THE RESEARCH

The concept for this proposal originated from an experience as the chair of the AIA Portland Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (CoEDI), whose mission it is to advocate for under-represented groups in the field of architecture. CoEDI evolved from the ForWARD Committee (Forum for Women in Architecture & Related Design), a group whose mission it was to support and advance women in the field of architecture.

In May 2017 the committee hosted a full day symposium titled “Future Vision, The Value Proposition for Equity”. A keynote speaker at that event, Saskia Dennis van Dijl, elaborated on the key findings of the 2016 Equity in Architecture Survey. One of the findings derived from the nearly 9,000 professionals surveyed, was the disproportionate amount of women documenting that the Construction Methods & Materials and Building Systems curriculum offered while in college was insufficient to prepare them for a career in architecture.

Although many architecture schools may offer studios and classes on construction, once out of school there are few avenues for attaining hands-on training on how a building goes together. The reality is that it is far more common for men to have a construction background going into architecture school than women, and this lack of constructability know-how plays itself out throughout a woman’s career.

Statistically speaking in mid to large firms, the majority of women find themselves in the role of project manager rather than lead designer. There are many components that influence this, but the fundamental lack of construction knowledge is generally noted as a probable factor.

Read more about the findings in the most recent 2018 Equity in Architecture Survey highlighting 14,360 individuals representing the profession at Equity by Design [EQxD].

ABOUT ME

I’m a Portland based architect with 20+ years of experience. The first 2/3 of my career was spent working in a big firm on a variety of large scale commercial projects. The last 1/3 has been spent with a much smaller group, focusing on single family homes and small scale commercial work. I love the process of design, constantly in awe of creativity and am grateful to have the opportunity to spend time with brilliant people; many of whom are women. I enjoy collaborating, storytelling and community. I’ve had the honor of leading the Portland AIA Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the last several years and am constantly inspired by the people and organizations championing the future of the profession. The reality is that there’s so much left to do and if we each focus our attention towards moving the needle, we all rise. My intent is to utilize this fellowship, in researching construction workshops for women, as a means to advance this discourse on equity and promoting inclusion for the next generation of female architects.