International Women's Day 2022

Today we celebrate the actions and achievements of women who have strived to #breakthebias and create a more equal world for all. We champion those whose actions and achievements have forged a path for women in design and architecture, pushing boundaries and challenging inequalities perpetuated by practices of the past. We celebrate these women every day, most especially on International Women’s Day.

This year, we heard from our team members about their experiences with bias.

What empowers you within the industry and design process?

“I love being the only woman in a room. It's a real power move. It really throws some people and I find that really fun. When you walk into a room and you’re the only woman, I think ‘ooh, this is odd’, but I’ve got a niche here and I’m going to use that to take control of the situation.

I’ve said it to a few people in general, not just women, ‘Whatever you think your perceived ‘weakness’ is in the room, find a way to make that your advantage’. So whether that’s your gender or being really young, how can you pivot that to make it work for you? This might seem really silly, but if you’re the only woman in the room, all the other men are wearing suits. So you can walk in in a flaming blue dress and stand out—suddenly you’re a presence in the room that you otherwise wouldn’t have been. I know that seems really simple, but it’s thinking of all the little ways you can pivot what you perceive to be a weakness to work for you.” — Kathleen Bainbridge

Who or what inspires you in your career?

“I mean it’s obvious to say Zaha Hadid, but she was incredible. Not just because she was the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, but also because she championed women in her studio. She encouraged women to take risks and do great things, and I think she’s pretty inspirational for a woman in our industry.” — Kate Shaw

“I like to think that every woman I’ve worked with, peers, mentors, senior staff, has inspired me in some way—you learn from them and you build on that collective knowledge. That’s how you become a better interior designer or architect.” — Natasha Frohilch

What’s the best advice you’ve been given about working in this industry?

“Ask a lot of questions. Always, ask a lot of questions. It’s not dumb to ask questions. Don’t pretend like you know everything, because then you’ll look like an idiot when people find out you really don’t. Speak because you know what you’re saying, don’t speak for the sake of speaking.” — Natasha Frohilch

“Regardless of your age or experience, you want to be the most knowledgeable person in the room. You want to be informed so you can have a valid position at the table.” — Melissa Leung

“Take every opportunity that comes your way.” — Kate Shaw

“Knowledge is power. The one who knows the most is running the show” — Sezen Donmez

How do you feel the industry could improve its attitude toward gender bias?

“As a parent and having the support that you need to feel that, if I do take time off to go and have my kids, that I can still continue my career. Not just having my role on hold but jump back in where I was and I’m not having to go backwards.” — Kate Shaw

“Flexible work hours, but also providing that flexibility to men. If both partners are given that opportunity, women might not need to utilise flexible work hours as much if they’re male counterpart is given the same level of flexibility.” — Kathleen Bainbridge