Architecture is, and has always been, predominately male orientated. Even though 38% of the people training to become architects are women, only 13% of the entire workforce is female*. So what is stopping women continuing on to successful careers?

According to research carried out by RIBA and the University of the West of England (UWE), the main reasons for women leaving the architectural industry include: unequal pay, a glass ceiling, limited areas of work, long working and inflexible hours.

Within its research, RIBA found that women who left architecture pointed to a combination of factors, which eventually led to their change in career. One female architect who took part said she was ‘Frustrated with the amount of regulation and legislation, high stress, low pay, long hours and not enough flexibility to allow time with my children, lack of job security and lack of support.’

RIBA’s survey showed that a lack of creative opportunities and insufficient investment in training are also causing a gradual erosion of confidence, reduced self-esteem and job satisfaction amongst female architects. It also found that female architects with families also became aware of their career paths slowing down and not receiving enough support from their employers. This has led to some women not even returning after maternity leave and others seeking alternative sources of employment as a result of being unable to secure a position in an architectural practice.

This is not to say that women aren't making headway in the profession. Their numbers are rising steadily in architectural courses and female-owned firms are more common today than they were 20 years ago. A recent report released by UK consultancy Atkins, as part of broader studies into urban design leading up to the London 2012 Olympics, also says that nine out of ten UK adults believe in the benefit of female designers.**

However, the Atkins report also suggests that without action, skills shortages are likely to continue as only 8% of those women questioned would even consider a role in the industry. There also appears to be a chicken and egg situation developing in the sector as more than half of the women interviewed by the report admitted that they would be more attracted to the industry if there were more women working within it.

This may paint a bleak picture of the industry, but there are other options available.

The issue of families was unsurprising in RIBA’s research, however their findings also highlighted long working hours and the lack of work/life balance as major factors that are contributing to women leaving the architectural industry.

It is feared that this culture of inflexibility could stifle the industry and push talented architects away from the profession. However, licensee schemes, flexible working practices and support services for these professionals could offer the incentive and flexibility to keep more people in the industry, especially those disenchanted women highlighted in RIBA’s research.

The issue of equality and diversity is at the very centre of this debate and in response to its own research, RIBA proposed that a change in the basic culture and organisation of the profession was required to ensure more equal opportunities in architectural practice. With this in mind, the importance of the issue cannot be underestimated and without direct action the gender gap in the architectural industry will only widen.

This need for action is something that Architect Your Home is working to support through its network and an opinion echoed by RIBA Chief Executive, Richard Hastilow, who recently stated: “It is clear that equal opportunities is not a ‘special’ (nor an optional) interest. Nor is it the business of a small pressure group. As far as the RIBA is concerned, equal opportunities is now everybody's business.”

After ten years of running their own architectural practice, Jude and Hugo Tugman realised that traditional working methods didn’t always measure up to the needs of their architects or customers and in 2001 launched Architect Your Home.

Jude and Hugo understood the difficulties involved in trying to manage a business whilst conducting project work and developed an approach that offers architects a regular backbone of profitable domestic work, along with support staff, resources and network to help run a successful practice.

Today Architect Your Home has a nationwide network of 45 architects/practices who have worked with more than 3,000 customers, quickly establishing it as the UK’s leading supplier of architectural services for the home-owner market.

Architect Your Home is currently looking for sole practitioners and small practices to join its successful network of licensees. Information evenings will be running throughout September for architects that would like to find out more about the service. For more information contact Jane McRoberts on 020 8940 8575 or email jane@architect-yourhome.com

* RIBA and the University of the West of England (UWE) Research on why women leave architecture.
** Atkins 2007.

CASE STUDY
Parmjit Lallli, Middlesex

Over the course of ten years, Parmjit Lallli had worked in many practices. Her wealth of experience combined with her strong ambition meant she was able to successfully deliver projects as well as continue to develop her skills and strive forward in her career.

After Parmjit had started a family she decided that she wanted to return to work, however she didn’t want this move to compromise either her career or how she raised her children. Parmjit wanted a solution that gave her control of her time and the flexibility to manage her own workload and commitments.

In 2006, Parmjit heard about Architect Your Home’s licensee scheme. It meant that she would be able to work as an architect but also have the flexibility to work the hours she wanted and to manage her workload to suit her lifestyle. It also allowed Parmjit to become self-employed without the risks of having no income whilst the business established itself. Architect Your Home supplied customers and chased the bills thus enabling her to concentrate on what she did best, developing projects. Since joining Architect Your Home, Parmjit has earned just short of the salary she received when employed by an architectural practice for working two to three days per week.

Parmjit said: “Overall the opportunity provided by Architect Your Home has been invaluable. It has allowed me to set up on my own without the usual risks involved in setting up a new practice and I also have a lot of control over my life and can enjoy a fulfilling career, as well as bringing up my children in the way that I want.”

CASE STUDY
Clara Anderson, Kew

After practicing architecture for six years, Clara craved a better balance between her career and her interests outside of work. Clara was committed to a career in architecture but wanted to have the control over her work that would allow her to spend time on her creative pursuits outside of work, as well as her love of travel.

When she heard about Architect Your Home’s licensee scheme, she felt that it would offer her the balance she wanted and she joined the company in June 2005. Clara found the Architect Your Home system ‘a refreshingly clear and customer-friendly way to achieve results’ as well as benefiting from a steady stream of new customers without the hassle of marketing and chasing customers for money.

She said: “I always dreamt that one day I would be able to work on creative projects which enhance peoples’ lives, while still having enough time and flexibility to satisfy my travel bug, indulge in artistic pursuits and to develop my own business.

Since joining, I have managed to achieve the work/life balance that everyone seems to be striving for these days. Through Architect Your Home, I have the personal advantages of a small office with the stability, strength and reputation of a larger office, all with a valuable network of knowledge and advice just a click away.”

For more information about Architect Your Home visit www.architect-yourhome.com

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