International Women’s Day

Laura’s contribution:

As a 90s child I assumed only women were Irish presidents as it was all I knew. You have to be able to see people like you reflected in positions of merit & power to believe it is an option for you.

I studied both Architectural Technology and Architecture in TU Dublin, where I now teach. I have seen the gender balance grow to 50:50 in college studios within this time. Starting my own practice was no longer a far fetched idea in a country where the likes of Grafton Architects are household names.

However, I am very conscious of the complexities & intersectionality of identity. We need to advocate for & champion architects from all backgrounds so we can get to the point where women in architecture awards & surveys are no longer required & the term ‘female architect’ is simply just ‘architect’. Creative little girls should grow up never second guessing a career in the built environment.