Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Architecture and Engineering

While the field of architecture has become increasingly more diverse over the years, the number of women architects is still surprisingly low. In recent years, more women have entered and excelled in the profession, although challenges such as gender inequality and underrepresentation in leadership roles persist. To support the ongoing progress and address the remaining challenges, organizations are stepping up to champion the advancement of women in architecture.

Deltek is proud to sponsor the 2024 AIA Women's Leadership Summit. This event brings together the industry's largest network of women who are breaking down barriers, making themselves visible and manifesting the careers they want—while making a difference in the world. Natasha Engan is the SVP of Global Sales at Deltek and an executive sponsor of Women at Deltek, an employee resource group where women can share their experiences, socialize and network. On October 9, Natasha will moderate a panel discussion at the summit focused on the impact of women designers on the city of Chicago and the broader U.S. architectural landscape. The panel will feature Kimberly Dowdell, AIA President; Gia Biagi, Principal of Urbanism & Civic Impact, Studio Gang; and Ciere Boatright, Chicago Department of Planning Commissioner.

Challenges for Women in Architecture Still Persist

Despite increasing numbers of women entering architecture schools and contributing significantly to the profession, they still face hurdles that require resilience and determination. Women in the architectural workplace often face various forms of bias and challenges. Some of the common issues include:

• Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Women may encounter stereotypes that question their technical abilities or leadership potential compared to their male counterparts.
• Pay Gap: Women in architecture, like in many other professions, may experience a gender pay gap, earning less than their male colleagues for similar roles and responsibilities.
• Underrepresentation in Leadership: Women are often underrepresented in senior and leadership positions within architectural firms, which can limit their influence and visibility in the profession.
• Work-Life Balance: The demanding nature of architecture work can create challenges for women, especially those who are balancing professional responsibilities with family or caregiving duties.
• Lack of Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Women may have fewer opportunities for mentorship and networking, which are crucial for career advancement in architecture.

Women Paving the Way in the Field of Architecture

Many Deltek customers, such as Megan Scott, Project Manager at AG Architecture, and Tyler Joseph, Architect and Director of Curiosities at Roth Sheppard Architects, have conquered challenges and have thriving careers in the industry.

Megan was inspired to pursue a career in architecture after realizing the artistic possibilities in the field, mainly through the works of world-renowned architects like Frank Gehry. Her educational journey began with a liberal arts degree, followed by a 3.5-year master's in architecture, which allowed her to bring a broad perspective to her studies and establish valuable connections with local firms.

Throughout her career, Megan has taken on roles as a project architect and project manager, handling increasingly complex projects with each role. As a woman in architecture, she has faced challenges related to work-life balance and pay equity. Still, with the support of former coworkers and fellow graduates, she navigated those challenges. Megan continued to look for growth opportunities and eventually found a supportive firm with strong female leadership.

Having witnessed a positive shift in the industry, Megan notes that younger women architects today expect and receive better treatment and opportunities than in the past. Her career highlights include becoming a registered architect for 25 years, earning LEED accreditation and completing numerous impactful projects.

Megan advises young women entering the field to embrace the challenges of architecture, emphasizing the profession's variety and the satisfaction that comes from solving problems. Looking to the future, she is optimistic about the prospects for women in architecture, believing that with dedication, there are no limits to what they can achieve.

Tyler began her interest in architecture in childhood, sparked by a fascination with buildings and a love for creative design. She has a natural aptitude for math, which, combined with encouragement from others, fueled her passion for the industry. She was drawn to the idea of creating spaces and bringing beauty into the world.

Finding the most profound challenge for women in architecture to be the lack of women leaders to emulate, Tyler notes that while she was lucky to have fantastic support and mentorship, she often had difficulty visualizing how a woman in architecture could successfully navigate the day-to-day in what is still a male-dominated industry. She remarked, "I've learned that the inspiration is out there; you may just have to look harder for it."

Moving Forward to Create an Inclusive Future

Despite challenges, the architecture industry is making strides toward inclusivity. Organizations are actively working to support women architects, advocating for equal opportunities and celebrating their achievements. There are now numerous resources and initiatives available to support women pursuing a career in architecture, including:

• Professional Organizations: Groups like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have programs and resources specifically aimed at supporting women in architecture, such as mentorship programs and networking events.
• Scholarships and Grants: Various scholarships and grants are available for women pursuing architecture degrees. These financial aid opportunities help alleviate the cost of education and encourage more women to enter the field.
• Mentorship Programs: Many organizations and firms offer mentorship programs that connect aspiring female architects with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and career advice.
• Networking Opportunities: Conferences, seminars and workshops are often organized with a focus on women in architecture, providing opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and Women in Architecture (WIA) work to promote diversity and inclusion within the profession, providing support and advocacy for women.
• Online Communities and Resources: Websites, forums and social media groups offer platforms for women in architecture to share experiences, advice and resources.

For women considering a career in architecture, the path may be fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and impact. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of women architects will be increasingly recognized and valued, paving the way for future generations.

Deltek is honored to have been named one of America's Best Employers for Women in 2024 by Forbes. We're proud of our inclusive culture and are committed to prioritizing DEI at every level of our organization so every employee feels welcome, valued and empowered to thrive.