Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in Architecture

Happy March everyone and Happy Women’s History Month to every person that identifies as a woman!

Women are a powerful force, sure it may be subjective as I am one; still, I believe women are to this day underestimated. We have so much to offer and provide to the world. Like Diane Mariechild said, “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform”. 

I love celebrating Women’s History Month because it highlights the progress we have made over time and worldwide, but more importantly highlights the progress that still needs to be made and those who are making waves whether small or at large to create this progress. 

I believe everyone, men or women, should be blessed to have at least one woman role model in their life. It is definitely, key for all women, as it helps us see what we could become and/or how we want to do it differently. Its key to understand that to me a role model is not someone you compare to and want to become, but it is someone you learn from. Whether it is taking a similar path and makes it easier on you or seeing how you want to be different, yet appreciating what they have done. We women need to elevate each other and support each others successes. Remember it is you vs your past self, not you versus them. I know it is easier said then done but with practice and true appreciation of those around you there can be so much more progress. 

Through my life, I’ve had a few female role models. One of them being my mother. Was she perfect….no but no one is and those imperfections also taught me how I wanted to be different and create my own path. When I was younger sure I compared myself to others and role models to me then were people I admire and wanted to be. With time and creating/finding myself I have changed perspectives and some of my role models today are people close to me or who I learn from and get inspired from. Some are in Architecture, some are Latinas, and some are even younger than me.

As the title gives it away, part of this Month’s blog, is celebrating Women in Architecture. Becoming an Architect is no easy ride, and being a woman can add even more obstacles than men. We women in Architecture have made progress in our profession; yet, there is still SO MUCH more to be made. For example, based on a 2022 NCARB Demographic study only 24.9% of licensed Architects, compared to 75.1% of men who are licensed Architects. 

Still there is hope as an 2020 ACSA Study showed that men and women are almost 50/50 when entering Architecture School. Furthermore, the 2022 NCARB Demographic study showed that those taking the Architecture Registration Exams are 53% Men and 47% Women. When it comes to finishing the exams it is  58.5% Men  and 41.5% Women. In 2022, it was recorded that 2 in 5 new Architects are woman, a 4% increase in the last 5 years. Furthermore, women are more likely to get licensed about 6 months sooner than men. 

We are making moves and change in statistics, still I want to point out that when it comes to top awards/recognitions in Architecture there are far more man than women, even when looking at the past 2 decades. I have included a graphic below from the 2020 ACSA Study reflecting this. On a slight separate point, I also wanted to highlight that within those women that are licensed, minority groups have a far less amount. As shown in the graphic below from the 2022 NCARB Demographic study, only 1.7% of licensed Architects are Latinas and I am proud to be in that 1.7%, and hope to see these numbers increase through my career. The percentage for Black woman is even lower at 0.5% and other minority groups like Black and Latina can use the support to keep increasing these numbers.

 

It’s good to see where things can improve, it’s great to see where we have progressed, but it is even better to see those currently working towards progress and pushing barriers. With that said, I want to end this blog with a few resources for those who want to know more about Women in Architecture, or if you are one resources for you to use.

1. Arquitina: They are a non-for-profit group helping latina’s to become licensed through mentorship. I am proud to announce that I will be one of their mentor’s for this year. They also have a book on Latinas in Architecture, which I highlighted in a previous post last year. In addition, they are releasing volume 2 in May, and proud to announce that my story will be part of this book. 

2. Powerful Speeches: This is a website created by someone I know and admire, Graciela Carillo. She has put together a list of podcasts by women in Architecture and Design, and also provides a lost of resources you may be interested in.

3. Primaverarch: They are a non-for-profit group highlighting women’s stories, especially minorities. They also have a vast list of resources.

4. 20 Women in Architecture of 21st Century Whose Shaping the World: An article highlighting key women in the Architecture industry making waves throughout the world.

Thank you for reading my blog and hope you enjoyed it. I would love to hear your thoughts and questions on it. Please leave a comment or send me an email if you’d like to further discuss. Read our feature article on women in architecture, celebrating trailblazers and future leaders. 

Keep an eye out on April 1st for next Month’s blog and a couple surprises.

Keep growing,

Katherine Serrano Sosa