Women in architectural academia

摘要

I applaud Matthew Barac (AE October 2018) for showcasing the rollcall of excellent women leading the education and training of the next generation of architects. I recall my delight in my second year at being taught by Sarah Wigglesworth and my dismay at the thought of a lack of female mentors in third year (which prompted me to take action with studio master Eric Parry who then recruited the inspirational Carolyn Steel). At the same time, I am struck by the success of women in education in penetrating the glass ceiling (for example becoming professors) relative to the low proportion of women running practices and working in the rest of the profession. What does this say about working in education? Women value flexibility and are prepared to accept the low pay, which comes with part-time, short-term contracts, and which in turn demonstrates women's vocation. What does this say about practices and the rest of the profession? Practices are missing out on a motivated and dedicated talent pool.