Thrive

Thrive by Sumita Singha explores a pressing need: architecture requires the participation of women.

How can the built environment be effectively designed without the expert input of half the population? Although a significant number of women choose to study architecture at the undergraduate level, they remain a minority in the profession once qualified. As professionals, their expertise is often overlooked, their work devalued, and their contributions to the field forgotten. Yet, women’s work is critical to the sustainability of a profession that must aspire to design high-quality buildings for the whole of society. How can architecture attract, recruit, and retain women? And how can women find ways to thrive within it?

This practical guide, underpinned by inclusion, internationalism, and intersectionality, looks back as well as forward, exploring the history of women working in architecture while interrogating the contemporary landscape. It provides guidance, tips, and examples for navigating key points in an architect’s career, including education, practice, projects, and promotion. Inspiring case studies of women and women-led practices consider what success means and how to negotiate a route to a fruitful career and a balanced life as an architect.

The book includes accounts of women architects from all walks of life, all sizes of practice, and from all over the world, such as Jeanne Gang, Yasmeen Lari, and Anupama Kundoo, as well as many other historical and contemporary women architects and emerging practices.

Featuring guidance on:

• Understanding the barriers and history of women in architecture
• Expanding the opportunities and visibility of women in leading roles
• The importance of role models and mentoring

With a foreword by Jane Duncan OBE PPRIBA, Thrive aims to empower women in architecture to pursue and achieve their aspirations.