Despite being outnumbered, female architects are responsible for some of the most stunning structures in the world – as demonstrated by our list of inspirational women in architecture.
The attraction of becoming an architect has never been greater. The prospect of transforming cities and towns with luxurious living spaces and landmark buildings attracts more than 14,000 applicants to architectural and design courses each year. But for women who graduate with an architectural degree, it is harder than ever to maintain a career than in almost any other industry.
There is good news, though! In the ‘macho’ world of construction, a handful of established and emerging practitioners have raised the profile of female architects. To celebrate these great dames of architecture, who have overcome obstacles to establish successful architectural careers, we’re looking back at some of their greatest achievements.
Zaha Hadid
Zara Hadid is remembered as one of the most famous female architects in Britain. The first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize and the first woman to be awarded a Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of Architects, she has become an inspiration for many women across the globe looking to follow in her footsteps.
Hadid was born in 1950 in Iraq. Here she studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut. She then moved to the UK, where she studied architecture – unbeknown to her, she would become one of the most successful women in architecture. During her career, she was responsible for the design and development of over 30 prestigious buildings over four continents. The Aquatic Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, Antwerp Port House, Broad House Museum and Guangzhou Opera House are among some of her most stunning creations. She died in March 2016 aged 65.
Amanda Levete
Amanda Levete is an architect with an incredible portfolio to show for her career working in architecture. Her recent portfolio includes the exotically tiled Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) opened in 2016. The architect’s creation, rearing up from the river with a sinuous swoosh, is the most recognised in a long line of exclusive property developments.
Angela Brady
Angela Brady is best known for her work in advocating more women into the architectural industry, which makes her one of our top listed women in architecture. In 2011, she was the first woman and non-British person to be elected as the President of the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA). She founded the project RIBA’s Architects for Change group with the aim of increasing the numbers of women in the industry through campaigning across the UK. To help raise these figures, she has increased her involvement with radio and TV publications to spread the word that architecture is a rewarding industry to start a career in.
Kathryn Gustafson
Kathryn Gustafson is one of the most admired landscape architects in the industry. She brings far more than over 30 years’ distinguished experience to her practice; her work is truly inspirational and exclusive to the individual. After spending her early years in Washington, Gustafson moved to New York City and then Paris to become a Fashion Designer. While in Paris her interests turned to Architecture and she’s never looked back since.
Her work is categorised by the unique ability to create exciting developments from grass, stone, water and earth with her most recognised work including the Gardens of Imagination in France, the city square in Evry, the Loreal Factory among others.
These truly inspirational women are role models for young women who are looking for careers in architecture. If you take one thing from this article, then let it be that you have the same opportunities for success as these famous architects. Don’t let gender stereotypes stand in your way of pursuing a career in a subject you are passionate about and competing with some of the best in the business.
About the author
This article was provided by design and build architectural business SJ Construction, based in London
