THE CATALYST AND THE CAUSE

In early 2019, the Australian Institute of Architects, SA Chapter put together a task group with the aim of furthering the conversation around gender equity in architectural practice in South Australia. This group, S.A. Designers for Diversity first looked at determining some actual data around this; pay equity, long hours culture, flexibility, recruitment, career progression and other issues pertinent to the architect at work. 

Another area for attention is around the lack of visibility of female architects - there are many architects around the world lauded for their creativity, their ingenuity, their attention to detail, their commitment, their passion.   These skills and qualities are not unique to one gender.

My involvement then in SA Designers for Diversity was the catalyst for me to ponder the question of what can be done to promote the profile of some of the many excellent female architects in our midst.

She-constructed was the result of that pondering, born out of a wish to play a part in highlighting the role that women play in the built environment. Conversation by conversation, we aim to share the stories of some of these fabulous and accomplished architects and designers who contribute to the spaces we inhabit, admire and enjoy.

Tracey Roughana
Architect