Women in Architecture: Building a more equal future

At MP Chartered Architects, we specialise transforming spaces into exceptional homes. We offer a spectrum of services from new homes, house extensions and conversions to listed buildings and commercial project management. Our focus is to help homeowners discover the potential of their spaces through clever design and technical delivery.

As a collaborative practice, we believe that strong design comes from diverse perspectives, supportive working environments, and teams where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow.

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating and focusing on the women who are transforming architecture and reflecting on this year’s global theme: Give To Gain.

The theme emphasises the idea that when we provide support, opportunity, mentorship, and visibility to women, we all benefit from stronger industries, more innovative thinking, and more resilient communities. This is especially relevant in architecture.

While many women enter architectural education, too few progress or reach leadership roles. The report Build It Together: Progress and Planning Towards Gender Equity in the Architecture Sector, published in 2025 by the Fawcett Society and commissioned by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), offers a sobering update on the state of the profession and what still needs to change.

Workplace Barriers

The Build It Together report revisits questions raised over 20 years ago in the 2003 RIBA-commissioned study Why Do Women Leave Architecture? It finds that many of the same barriers still exist:

• Unequal representation: Women are the majority of architecture students but only 31% are registered architects.
• Workplace culture challenges: Long hours, presenteeism, and exclusionary networking disadvantage those with caregiving responsibilities and contribute to burnout.
• Career penalties for motherhood: 83% of women surveyed said having children negatively affected their career progression, which is far higher than typical UK averages.
• Harassment and lack of support: Around half of women reported workplace harassment or misogyny, with few receiving adequate employer support or resolution.

The evidence shows this issue is not just about individual choices or confidence. It concerns systems, cultures, and career structures that have not evolved quickly enough. To genuinely embrace Give To Gain, the profession must be willing to give through policy reform, cultural change, and visible leadership commitment to achieve equity and long-term sustainability.

From Recommendations to Action

The Build It Together report outlines 47 recommendations for improving gender equity across the architecture profession, directed at practices, government bodies, and the Royal Institute of British Architects. These focus on pay equity, clearer career pathways, stronger HR policies, inclusive networking opportunities, and better support for women from diverse backgrounds.

Together, these findings show that structural reform is needed, including better support during education and re-entry, more flexible and inclusive working models, and stronger mentoring and visibility. This is essential to ensure women can thrive at every stage of their architectural careers.

Why This Matters at MP Chartered Architects

For MP Chartered Architects, these lessons are not abstract. They directly influence how we work, grow, and support our team.

Whether you are in Design and build, technical drawing or any other services, research shows that fairer, more inclusive practices are not just the right thing to do; they boost creativity, improve retention, and strengthen client outcomes. When practices invest in their people, they gain stronger collaboration, broader perspectives, and more thoughtful design solutions.

At MP Chartered Architects, we are proud that women are central to our team’s strength. They bring design leadership, project management expertise, and client-focused thinking to every project we undertake. We believe that creating a supportive environment, with clear pathways, flexibility when possible, and a respectful culture helps everyone thrive.

Our approach reflects the recommendations in Build It Together: valuing contribution over presenteeism, recognising diverse career journeys, and fostering a culture where all voices are heard and respected. By providing opportunity, trust, and support, we strengthen our practice and achieve better outcomes for our clients.

Creating opportunity for Women in Architecture

International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action. The Give To Gain theme reminds us that equality does not happen on its own; it requires intentional investment, advocacy, and accountability.

Jobs in Architecture have the power to shape places, communities, and lives. But to fully realise that potential, the profession must be equitable and inclusive.

Whether through mentoring, fair policies, improved HR structures, or everyday support, every architect has a role to play. At MP Chartered Architects, we believe that stronger teams lead to stronger designs and that equity is a foundation, not an extra.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women shaping architecture today and commit to building a profession where giving opportunity truly means gaining a better future for all.