A Spotlight on Women in the AEC Industry

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A Spotlight on Women in the AEC Industry

March March2,2,2022 2022 Lindsay LindsayLewis Lewis

March March is is Women’s Women’s History History Month Month and and we we wanted wanted to to take take the the time time to to spotlight some some women women in in the the AEC AEC industry. industry. spotlight Building BuildingEnclosure Enclosurewas wasjoined joinedby byaahandful handfulof ofleading leadingAEC AECindustry industry females to to speak speak on on issues issues women women have have faced faced in in the the construction construction females

fields and how the younger generation can continue to break down barriers. fields and how the younger generation can continue to break down barriers.

Read on on to to hear hear what what some some of of their their biggest biggest hurtles hurtles have have been. been. We We look look forward forward to to seeing seeing what what the the Read future of architecture looks like with these women at the helm. future of architecture looks like with these women at the helm.

Cheryl M. Saldanha, P.E., CPHD Senior Project Manager

Jane Smith, FAIA, IIDA Partner Spacesmith LLP During my four decades as a female architect and a founding partner of Spacesmith, I’ve experienced many successes, challenges, rewards, and surprises. I’m proud that my firm’s 25-person team consists primarily of professional women, an anomaly in this industry. Our women—and men—have led the way in a diverse portfolio of creative and purposeful projects across sectors domestically and abroad for government agencies, educational and public institutions, plus private, business, retail and cultural clients.

Setbacks are part of any business, but my focus has been on positive movement. I’ve had the good fortune to connect with talented people in the AEC industry who fully support each other, their clients, and communities. I’m always impressed by the genuine passion the women architects I meet and work with have for architecture and design and the profession’s ability to influence and benefit people’s lives, businesses, and economies.

Exceptional women have and continue to advance our industry in creative, thoughtful ways. Young female architects and designers should look to and learn from respected women leaders in the profession. The women involved in the AIA’s Women in Architecture Committee, Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, International Interior Design Association, and Women Executives in Real Estate, for instance, are advancing women in the field and their influence through meaningful conversations, superior work, and strategic relationships.

As young architects gain experience, they should share what they know with others.

Mentorship is a valuable way to support women entering the field. I spent 12 years as Chair of the School of Visual Arts’ interior design department, which was as rewarding as it was broadening. I’ve also served on numerous architecture and design committees, furthering collaborations with other knowledgeable women. It’s strengthened our industry and fostered professional inclusion.

We love the diversity of our portfolio and that we have many repeat clients. Each of our projects is designed for its unique situation, yet every space expresses purposeful support and creativity to suit its people, operations, and surrounding community. It’s all about creating powerful, positive spaces that transform the way people live and work.