“Nothing happens for nothing. #choosetochallenge asks us to question the status quo and our role in making our everyday.
As architects we create environments that shape the everyday of others, and gender diversity gives us the range of voices that make us better able to respond to the needs of our clients and the communities we serve.”
Alexandra Lawlor
National Leader Urban Futures and Resilience
“I was given the opportunity and support to organise and lead this large design workshop, despite being the youngest member and youngest female in the room. Whilst the number of males outnumbered females in this instance, it was highly collaborative, and everyone had the opportunity to contribute and be treated equally.”
Jemma Basso
Associate
“Women need to support each other. To gain equality in gender we first need equality within our gender.
Everyone no matter their background and history can enrich our work by their diversity, and we should support and encourage this.”
Esther Mavrokokki
Senior Associate
“Sitting in a site meeting as the only female in the team, I’ve had to develop the courage to speak up and contribute to project solutions just like any team member regardless of gender and racial background. I urge you to be courageous. Your curiosity will bring your project to a better place.”
Judy Lee
Associate
“Our purpose as designers is to create places that celebrate identity and connect people. We achieve that with diverse thinking and respect for all contributors. Striving for true diversity and real equality is everyone’s responsibility – in thought, in action and through the legacies we create.”
Patricia Bondin
Senior Associate
“As Architects, we seek opportunities and #choosetochallenge the default position every day to create places that matter.
Design is a verb. It’s the approach or the action we take that defines true value and meaning in our work. Design requires a collaborative approach, thoroughly researching the contextual landscape of each project and engaging with clients, stakeholders, and users in order to deeply understand their requirements.”
Elizabeth Seuseu
Senior Associate
“The creation of a place and building is a journey shared by many people. Every one of us has a different background, different personality, and experiences – everyone is unique and therefore brings a unique perspective and contribution to the project.
When everyone is heard and listened to, we can forge the most diverse and best places for people to use and enjoy as spaces part of their own story.”
Silvia Cupik
Principal
“We model equality everyday through our mutual respect and co-operation on projects. We know that our different ideas, perspectives, and experiences not only benefit our working relationship but are essential to our successful collaboration.
We know that gender equality is fair and right and just. But we also know it is much more than that. Working in a team where gender equality is a lived experience, makes us both more productive, confident, and happy.”
Klara Kormendy, Architect
and Joe Feng, Architectural Graduate
“Celebrating and elevating women and their successes in all of life’s stages creates a powerful diverse and inclusive group of role models. Role models drive change and help forge a more inclusive world.”
Lucy Russell-Slater
Group People Advisory Manager
“Over the last 20 years, I have experienced a wonderful career in Architecture. I attribute much of the richness of this journey to the people I have worked with, who have come from all walks of life, and my family.
The knowledge and insights shared with me along the way have been a source of inspiration and a means to understand how we can best provide for the community and bring delight to place making.
Supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and celebrating our strengths and diversity as a collective are key to empowering us all to face any challenge.”
Eleni Gogos
Senior Team Member
“Gender marginalisation starts many years before we cut our first paycheck.
Gender stereotyping and restrictions can start from a very early age, and although it may not be clear what the injustices are, we have felt them for a long time. They become easily recognisable when they are part of our everyday working life.
Choose to challenge.
Every time.”
Mena Kubba
Senior Associate
