What is biggest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome this?

Knowing when to go out on my own and start a business. I'm not sure if there is ever a “best time” for this but at some point you need to just take a deep breath and do it or decide you would prefer to stay employed and focus on doing your best either way.

How did your time at UNSW Sydney prepare you for this?

An architecture degree is pretty character building. Within a studio setting, you build up skills in presentation and selling your ideas to a panel of professionals. My education gave me the confidence to present my ideas to clients.

Name a woman or women you look up to most – why do they inspire you?

There are a number of highly successful female architects practicing in Sydney who are all doing great work in the public and private domain including Rachel Neeson, Camilla Block, Hannah Tribe, Olivia Hyde. They each are contributing to our built environment in inspiring ways but also balancing family and work life.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Find what you enjoy doing and a scale you enjoy working at and pursue it - there are many ways to contribute to excellence.

Do you think your industry is doing enough to champion gender diversity?

It's tricky because many of the issues we face in architecture are similar to other professions. Organisations like Parlour are doing great work in advocacy and promotion of gender equity in architecture.

Have you seen a change in gender diversity in the workplace over the last few years?

There are generally more practices lead by female directors and more recognition of the varied types of contributions made by women within the profession. However there is still a long way to go as women still continue to disappear from the profession mid career as opportunities for progression dry up.

 

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