Thriving as a Female Architect in a Male-Dominated Industry

In the ever-evolving realm of architecture, women have made remarkable progress in recent times, challenging stereotypes and transforming the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated industry. For female architects, navigating this path may entail unique challenges, but with resilience, skill, and a determination to break barriers, women can not only survive but also thrive in the architectural field.

The construction industry remains predominantly male-centric, with limited visibility of women on project sites or in significant meetings with developers, contractors, and engineers. Gender pay gaps and a lack of support for female growth persist, perpetuated by societal beliefs that men are better suited for success in the construction world, while women should adhere to predefined roles. Often, the societal resistance stems from an intimidation of opinionated women. Under these circumstances, building a resilient mindset becomes crucial for female Architects, who often need to develop a thick skin to deflect criticisms directed at them solely because of their gender.

In the field of Architecture, women have long confronted barriers. The autobiographies of Minette De Silva and Zaha Hadid are a testament to the struggles that even the most successful female Architects in the world have endured. Minnette De Silva, a pioneering architect from Sri Lanka, faced difficulties as one of the first women in the field and fought against traditional gender roles. Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British Architect, became the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004 but encountered stigmatization on the grounds of her gender and race at the beginning of her career. Despite facing resistance and discrimination, both women went on to achieve groundbreaking accomplishments.

There is a common misconception in the construction industry that women are not suited for the job due to their personality traits and cognitive abilities. Some people think that women lack the strong will needed for leadership, the authority to supervise workers, or the spatial perception and analytical logic required for Engineering or Architectural design. Another myth is that women cannot balance their work and family responsibilities, which becomes crucial when they have deadlines to meet and work that requires a lot of concentration.

However, there is no evidence to support these beliefs. In fact, many successful women have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, intellectual capabilities, and analytical thinking in this field. The truth is that women are just as capable as men in balancing their responsibilities, but they often face challenges due to systematic barriers and cultural biases.

As someone who has spent nearly two decades in various roles within the same field - as an Architecture Student, a Junior Architect, and a professionally qualified Architect, I have encountered numerous obstacles and continue to face them. Once, I worked at a project site where I was the only female member among twelve male team members. Even though all my team members were supportive, I received a lot of criticism from others in the industry for accepting that situation. It takes a lot of bravery to persist in such conditions where women are criticized for working in challenging situations.

However, as a successful professional who has navigated and thrived in this male-dominated environment, I believe that a combination of confidence, resilience, and unwavering commitment is crucial for breaking down barriers. Confidence is an essential asset in any profession, including Architecture. Cultivating a strong sense of self-assurance in our abilities, and trusting in skills, knowledge, and creativity are vital for maintaining a robust and independent personality.

Today, the construction industry is gradually becoming more inclusive towards women. Yet, it is man’s world and progress towards equality takes time. As female Architects, it is our responsibility to challenge and overcome persistent stereotypes by demonstrating that our abilities go beyond societal expectations. We must consistently showcase our technical skills, leadership qualities, and creative vision, reinforcing the notion that talent transcends gender. When we make a conscious effort to navigate the challenges inherent in this profession, we can contribute significantly to a more inclusive and diverse future for the field of Architecture and the entire Construction Industry. By breaking free from stereotypes and biases and celebrating the unique strengths that each of us brings to the table, we can collectively propel this industry toward a more vibrant future.

Isanka Weerakoon is the Lead Architect at Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, a leading multidisciplinary consultant in Sri Lanka. She started her career in architecture as an Architectural Assistant in 2005 and has worked in several architectural practices in different roles since then. In 2015, she joined Engineering Consultants as a Chartered Architect and has held positions such as Senior Architect and Head of the Education Sector before being promoted to Lead Architect. Her professional experience includes working on residential, commercial, hospitality, corporate offices, and institutional projects. She has contributed to a number of prominent projects in the country and continues to do so.

Isanka began her architectural studies at the City School of Architecture (formerly known as Colombo School of Architecture) and obtained her Master of Architecture from the University of the West of England. She is also a Certified Green Professional actively involved in several Green-rated projects.