Women in Architecture - Part 3

Lara Fowler, Junior Interior Designer
How did you start working as an interior designer?
My father worked in construction and my mother has always had a keen interest in interior design. When I looked into Interior Architecture as a career it excited me. I did consider straight architecture, but I wanted to do something more specialised.
How did you find your voice when first starting out?
Naturally, in my final year at university, I created a portfolio of work that represented me as a designer. I first found my voice and identity as an interior architect by creating and presenting this work.
How can the industry change break the bias towards women?
It’s hard to change people’s minds. There is no easy fix to end the bias toward women. Previously working at an interior design practice, I was surrounded by women, but the management roles were still predominately held by men.
Working at WilkinsonEyre, I have been lucky to work with a project and client team in which there is a strong group of women. It is a shame that this is an uncommon experience, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it. It’s the first time I’ve worked on a female-led project and it’s an encouraging step toward breaking the bias.
Can you tell me about a specific challenge you faced as a woman in this industry?
In the past male colleagues have made me feel inferior to them, this especially happened when drinks were involved. As women, we feel pressured to laugh it off and move on, because we don’t want to be seen as weak or petty. I think if a male was made to feel the same it would be taken seriously, but it’s sadly considered normal for women.
What advice do you have for women interested in working in this industry?
Be open about your experiences with sexism in the workplace because it shouldn’t be normal. The only way we can battle the behaviour is by bringing it to the attention of our senior colleagues. Avoiding the man who made you feel uncomfortable won’t fix the problem and it won’t stop it from happening to other women.
What charity did you select and why?
Medecins Sans Frontieres (‘Doctors without Boarders’) is a charity that I have always wanted to support due to the incredible work they do. They are a charity that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. One of their aims has been to empower women to manage their health and self-care in areas without reliable information and adequate support. By supporting women's hospitals, fighting for women's rights and trying to protect women in vulnerable situations I hope to support all the hard work they do.