Women are a mere 12% of the owners of Australian architectural practices that employ over 20 people. What are the structural barriers to women attaining ownership or partnership positions? Research conducted by the Champions of Change Architecture Group identifies the challenges and provides concrete recommendations in the Women in Ownership/Partnership in Architecture and Design toolkit.
Ninotschka Titchkosky talks about structural impediments to women attaining ownership positions.
Increasing representation
Increasing the representation of women in the ownership of Australian architecture and design firms is crucial for addressing gender equity in the profession. Benefits will include cultural transformation, fair distribution of rewards and recognition, enhanced business performance and increased retention of talented, experienced people.
Women in Ownership/Partnership in Architecture and Design draws on surveys and interviews to understand the impediments experienced by women. This is supported by detailed recommendations to help eliminate or reduce barriers and increase transparency.
The toolkit encourages active engagement and reflection by current ownership/leadership teams, with the aim of making concrete change. This includes supporting the long-term career development of women, improving transparency about ownership/partnership structures, and addressing specific inhibitors within agreements, processes, mechanisms and policies.
What is in the toolkit?
The toolkit is organised into two parts. The first describes the industry context and common ownership models, presents the findings from a survey and interviews conducted by the Champions of Change Architecture Group, and outlines the core barriers to ownership.
The second part provides detailed recommendations and considerations under three sections:
- Broad Inclusivity includes information on developing a culture of diversity and inclusion, diversity and inclusion policies, talent development processes, and accountability and reporting.
- Transparency and Accessibility of Ownership/Partnership includes advice on transparent organisational structures and governance, openness/awareness of risk and reward, and targeted learning and development.
- Ownership/Partnership Structures, Agreements, Processes and Policies covers financial mechanisms, processes for adding new owners/partners, policy support for equitable owners/partners, and making room in the ownership/partnership.
Brett Hudson explains the research findings.
Further watching / reading
Listen to The Last Mile, a podcast of interviews with six women about their pathway to ownership, the people who sponsored them to cover the last mile, and their own sponsorship practices.
Brian Clohessy and Isabella Aliberti from BVN reflect on the themes that emerged from The Last Mile podcast series of interviews and what they mean for career growth and development.
Watch this key discussion about overcoming structural and cultural challenges to women attaining ownership positions – with Ninotschka Titchkosky, Brett Hudson & Gordana Milosevska.
Women in Ownership/Partnership in Architecture and Design was developed by the Champions of Change Architecture Group, led by Brett Hudson (Peddle Thorp) Steve Coster (Hassell) with Melissa Riley (Hayball), Jade Mehonoshen (DKO) and Yvonne Chan (DesignInc).
