#20. Women in Architecture
As Women’s History Month has drawn to a close, we want to take a moment to focus on the women who have forged a path through the industry, influencing fellow architects and designers all over the world. Whilst only 31% of registered architects in the UK are women, they have been instrumental in moving the industry forward and have grown to make up half of current student architects, signalling a sure upward growth. There is no doubt that more and more women have access to the resources and education required to become successful, high level designers and architects.
Looking back, Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham is largely considered the UK’s first female architect, and is rumoured to have designed around 400 exquisite and historical buildings throughout her career. Although she was not permitted to be seen on construction sites or have written proof of her work, Lady Wilbraham is responsible for many unusual design quirks that can be seen across iconic and luxurious buildings such as Buckingham Palace and Clivedon House. These historical buildings have paved the way for standards of grandeur across the world, and are still plainly visible today.
A modern example, whose work can be spotted all over the worlds luxury retail industry, is Rena Dumas, the founder and CEO of Rena Dumas Architecture Intérieurs. Dumas spent much of her career working with brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christie’s and John Lobb, however her work with Hermés is what truly sets her apart in the design world. Having worked with Hermés to design over 300 of their boutiques worldwide, Dumas is responsible for the luxury, detailed and unique interiors that the brand is famously known for. The RDAI has won multiple prizes for its work with the illustrious fashion brand, including the France’s Équerre d’Argent award for their recent work on Hermés workshop in northeastern Paris, continuing to truly cement Dumas’ work in the luxury fashion world.
As the gender gaps slowly but surely close across the industry, with more women in positions of leadership and being awarded iconic prizes such as The Pritzker Prize or Serpentine Pavilion Commission, it is important to recognise that women still make up a small minority of licensed architects in most countries, and an even smaller percentage of those lead major commissions. As a studio, we are dedicated to increasing visibility and diversity in architecture, and stand proudly with all our partners in design, architecture and project management who support equal and fair workplaces.