Women in Architecture are Severely Underrepresented

The field of architecture is severely lacking in women, and it’s not because fewer of them are interested. Women make up 50 percent of architecture graduates in the Us but somehow only account for 20 percent of licensed architects. Mirroring other company culture trends, women face more difficulties in the field, such as lower salaries and fewer leadership opportunities—and these issues are often exacerbated when they become pregnant. As men in top leadership positions hire more men and prejudices prevent women from advancing, this lack of representation is a troubling cycle that seems posted to continue indefinitely. An article in The New York Timesargues that this problem isn’t unique to architecture, and the one goal we need to work towards to fix this among all professions is clear: bridge the gender gap.