Occupation

Architect & Teaching Fellow

Organisation

m/8 creative design & Dept of Architecture, University of Strathclyde

What do you think could be done to encourage more women to enter your field?

From personal observation I would say that there is an increase in the number of women entering into Architecture. However, the number of females who make it through the academic process and become fully qualified is significantly less. There is much debate as to why this is, and one school of thought is that our profession is not as encouraging as it could be towards flexible working, job sharing and part-time hours. How we address this, I am unsure, but generally I would like to see more women setting-up in practice for themselves and therefore being in a position to control their own hours & career.

What made you get involved in this area of work/this career?

I still, to this day, do not know why I am an Architect. I do know, however, that Architecture has been an intrinsic part of my upbringing and it was a childhood ambition of mine to become an Architect.

What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?

The largest challenges are overcoming my own anxieties and others preconceptions.
As a young female sole practitioner I am often met with the attitude that 'experience' (ability) comes with age, rather than experience being relative to exposure to and participation in ones field. To overcome this I have to work harder.

Could you give a brief history of your career to date?

I have worked in professional practice as an Architectural Assistant and following this as a fully qualified Architect for over 6 years now. In 2005, whilst studying an MSc in Urban Design at Strathclyde University, I received my first paid commission, working closely with the residents and stakeholders of Maryhill Glasgow on a series of small projects to raise awareness of the proposed regeneration of the area. This series of projects received an RIAS (Royal Institute of Architects Scotland) Sust Award for Sustainable Design and a commendation from the G.I.A (Glasgow Institute of Architects). Following the success of this project I was able to dedicate myself full-time to the development of my practice and in 2007 I received a commendation in the Scottish Design Awards in the category of 'Emerging Architect of the Year'.

In 2007 I began teaching part-time as a 3rd Year Design Tutor at the University of Strathclyde and have recently received a promotion to the post of Studio Director, overseeing all of the studio design work and curriculum for the 4th year Bsc (Hons) students. I continue to work for myself in practice, employing the resources of an assistant as and when necessary. My current portfolio varies from a £1.75 million private hotel development to a £1.2 million very sheltered housing refurbishment in Glasgow.

What are you responsible for in your job and what do you like best about it?

Practice:

I am responsible for the sole running of a small architecture practice. This encompasses all aspects of running a business from sourcing projects, employing staff, managing accounts and (occasionally) designing! I enjoy the freedom and flexibility that my position offers and this offsets the long hours and sometimes complex design projects.

Academia:

I am responsible for all aspects of the 4th year curriculum, managing the studio design staff, pastoral care of the students and at present organising the Department's annual guest lecture series. In this position I enjoy being exposed to our student's fresh and often passionate ideas, along with having the benefit of witnessing their personal and professional development.

What is your working environment like?

My office is a double height west facing studio in a B-listed blonde sandstone building in the city centre. It benefits from 3 large windows, which bring in a lot of light and let out a lot of heat! Radio 4 provides background noise for me and the 2 people whom I share the space with. We have white walls, colourful chairs and a wide selection of herbal teas.

What is your greatest achievement?

Completing the Cycle for Scotland: Glasgow to Edinburgh route.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?

I'd like to be onsite with one of my own designs, living part-time in Europe and possibly planning a family.

Is there any advice you would give students entering your career?

During the current economic climate there is no guarantee that you will be able to find employment once you complete your academic qualifications. Take the opportunity whilst you are at University to travel, study and work in at least one European city. The more you look at [architecture], the more you will see.