'Women in Architecture'

I was going through the AJ magazine this morning. An older issue for 'Women in Architecture'. It was not long after that Carlos asked sarcastically: 'Have you ever seen a magazine titled Men in Architecture?' It was indeed one of the very few moments that I didn't have a response. And as usual it got me thinking. Is talking about a problem becoming more of a problem? Why going through the hassle of talking about gender equality and workplace female discrimination when the balance of power is still uneven! I firmly believe that every woman who has taken her job seriously has experienced this 'problem' at least once. As I am also certain that in more competitive countries this phenomenon appears at a higher scale. So, lucky us girls living in London!

Why am I not surprised anymore? We are simply just so sick and tired of it. How many times have I been in meetings where I was the only woman? To be honest, I don't remember a single meeting that I was not the only one. I take it I am the only woman working on a project in sport architecture? I am certainly not! Zaha had done it too! Definitely not the case. (Laugh-Out-Loud)Talking about women architects leading practices? I am working at a company with 15 directors. All men! It could be random; it could not. Working is learning. At least it has been until now. However, I think it's about time to start changing a few things I don't like. After a short break, I am back to uni end of September. Excited and scared. I get the feeling that is like one of those things that when you leave them for a while it feels like is gonna take ages to get back on track with them. But I know it isn't. It's only the beginning that seems hard.

I always wanted to be my own role model. To see myself and be inspired. It sounds ridiculous when you focus on all your weaknesses. But being the leader of yourself is creatively stimulating. It's a different story. There is nobody out there that couldn't have done it better or worse. So why not being in control of your life and take it one step further? Or higher. So this is me today; delved into building bibliography. Taking a step back on my knowledge in construction, a long sip of coffee, and trying to put together the basics of design and detail in construction for my new teaching module. I am so much looking forward to meet my new students! I still haven't talked to my boss about this though. I am aiming to do so this week. I haven't even sorted out my weekly schedule. What if he is not ok with me working part time? Am I going to make it? Well.. There is only one way to find out. GO girl!