Marking Women's History Month at WJW

Discussing the film "Women in Architecture"

Reflective practice is part of how WJW operates. Amidst busy schedules, we intentionally carve out space to reflect on broader themes in our profession. Recently, the Women of WJW (WOW) gathered at lunchtime to view and reflect upon the short film "Women in Architecture" by Boris Noir. The film focuses on three architects in three different countries - Toshiko Mori in New York City, Gabriela Carrillo in Mexico City, and Johanna Meyer-Grohbrügge in Berlin. After viewing, the group discussed the film and their experiences as women working in the field of architecture.

Women are still very much a minority among architects, but this is changing. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), only 24% of licensed architects in the U.S. are women. But among those pursuing licensure, 46% of those taking licensure exams are women. At WJW, women make up over 60% of WJW’s staff, representing every level of the firm including partnership.

The group also discussed a 2017 opinion column by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup titled "I am not a female architect. I am an architect" and debated whether highlighting women architects helps or hinders gender parity in the profession. It was an engaging discussion, and just one of many here at WJW!