Women in Architecture
Leaders in Design, Management, Business Development and More
As current and emerging leaders in our architecture practice today, women hold roles as designers and planners, principals and directors, managers and marketers, and more. Their tenure and experience is as varied as their titles; and whether considered individually or collectively as a group, they are inspiring and helping to reshape and redefine how our business is conducted today and in the future.
We’re fortunate to have these women serve as role models to all of us. Their accomplishments are impressive: one started a science, technology, engineering and mathematics event for local Girl Scout Troops, others served as the first women presidents of their American Institute of Architects chapters, and another chaired a prestigious AIA committee dedicated to social justice. One woman advocated for the China Accord in sustainability. Another developed an advanced tool for measuring a façade’s energy impacts, while yet another created a wellness design tool that translates health and wellness design strategies into outcome-focused metrics.
Not only have they carved their own paths into the industry, but their ambition has led to prominent roles not only in our architecture practice, but within a global design firm of over 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations.
Elevating Women in the Industry
Our Women’s Employee Network Group provides an inclusive and empowering environment that fosters community, learning and meaningful dialogue. Here, the unique perspective women bring to our firm is recognized, valued and elevated throughout the organization, helping us better understand how policies and practices can improve and grow our company for the future.
Spotlight on Design
"I decided I wanted to be an architect at age 10. I had the chance to tour Europe and spend some time in Chicago, where my mother took me to visit Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Bucky Fuller. It made me excited about architecture.
My science class at that time had a very clever sort of Tom Sawyer-strategy to seduce good students to do more. If you earned A’s on the tests, you didn’t have to attend class. Instead you had to do a special independent study project on a topic related to what we were studying. All of my projects were about architecture, including designing a school from the perspective of acoustics, lighting and sight lines, and designing an inflatable moon station."
More Design Leaders
In Their Own Words: Women in Architecture Share How they #EmbraceEquity
In celebration of the #EmbraceEquity theme for International Women's Day 2023, women across our firm – from lab planners to designers, managing principals, and more — reflect on how they embrace equity in their roles, form equitable design teams, and design equitable built environments.
Spotlight on Management
"The women in leadership roles at HDR are confident, fearless and inspiring – but above all, they are welcoming and eager to help each other realize the full potential of the talent and contributions that our female employees bring to the firm. When I talk to candidates interested in joining our architecture practice, I reinforce the opportunities they will have to learn and grow. Sometimes, women think they need to come to a position with all the boxes checked. At HDR, we’ll give you the tools and guidance to thrive in your new role."
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Spotlight on Business Development
"I am very proud of the China program ... Our facilities help more than half of the population in the world get better healthcare. I have also made a lot of good friends with my clients and coworkers. We exchange ideas and inspire each other, and those friends refer me to other projects. It's very satisfying to know that people trust me and would work day and night for me."
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Spotlight on Industry Experts
"I find there is no daily or even weekly or monthly balance. I think the idea of balance gives false hope that you can do a little of everything. Life comes with choices, and those choices must be looked at across time.
I see my work and my personal time outside of work as fully integrated parts of my life. I aim to be as fully present as I can wherever I am, which takes a lot of self-reminders all day long. I find it is not possible to keep all work at work or all home at home, but I do work very hard to stay focused on the task at hand."
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Sharing Expertise
Spotlight on Practice & Process Innovation
"It's important to make time in your life for personal interests outside of the office, as well as time for your professional development. For example, I still look back fondly on all of the opportunities I have had to participate in my children's lives in many ways: at school, their sports and other activities ... I also recommend getting involved in professional organizations that interest you because they can offer great learning opportunities, lifelong friendships, great connections and networking. After all, it's a very small world. I love being curious and encouraging others' curiousity!"
More Practice & Process Innovation Leaders
