International Women’s Day 2023
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. We would like to highlight some of the women who work for Atelier Ten, while also bringing some attention to one of the themes this year of ’embracing equity’.
Jessica Glynn, London
Where would you like to see changes in our industry to embrace greater equity?
I think we should look into some different recruitment options such as apprenticeships. It would be great for more companies to get access to a talent pool who may not have had the opportunity to go to university.
Who are your role models?
I really look up to people I work with who make an effort to instil confidence in those more junior than them. Being given respect and confidence as a junior makes such a big difference in moving forward in your career and I have some great colleagues who have done this for me and I hope to do this for others.
Gita Maruthayanar, London
Where would you like to see changes in our industry to embrace greater equity?
I would like the industry to look at greater equity in hiring processes, as we do at Atelier Ten. Greater equity with an inclusive workplace and level playing field increases our ability to recruit and retain talent. Being aware of our unconscious biases and actively eliminating these needs should be a top priority across the industry. These small adjustments in a predominantly male dominated industry will help women feel confident to thrive, while also fostering a diverse workforce and allow people to raise a family without having to make significant sacrifices.
Jeanne Davidson, London
Can you share a time in your career when you saw an example of “equitable” treatment being given out?
Working in Benchmarking I see the provision of lactation rooms for Fitwel and WELL, which helps new mothers to return to work.
Where would you like to see changes in our industry to embrace greater equity?
More mentorship and networking opportunities could help ensure that women have access to the same career development opportunities as men.
Who are your role models?
Greta Thunberg and Younha Rhee
Lucy Bennett, London
Where would you like to see changes in our industry to embrace greater equity?
I would love to see more companies offering apprenticeships. With the increasing costs of university, more and more young people are looking at alternative routes into higher education and I believe that offering engineering apprenticeships is one way to help students from all backgrounds achieve their potential.
Youhna Rhee, London
Can you share a time in your career when you saw an example of “equitable” treatment being given out?
I experienced an ‘equitable’ treatment when I just returned from my maternity leave with limited travel capacity. My colleagues willingly picked up international projects so I could work locally and slowly settle back to working full time. Being a successful working mum was made possible by their support.
Somhairle Laird, London
Who are your role models?
Over the past six years, since beginning my career at Atelier Ten, I have watched many of my female colleagues go on maternity leave to have children. I have then seen them return to work (after what I can only imagine is a very exhausting year), continue to move up the ranks and thrive while being a parent. It reassures me you can do both. All the working parents (mums and dads) inspire me!
Isabelle Hens, San Francisco
Where would you like to see changes in our industry to embrace greater equity?
Much of the building industry is still male dominated, and there can be gender differences in communication styles. In order to give everyone at the table an equitable opportunity to contribute to the conversation, we all benefit from valuing listening as much as we value speaking, from offering empathy as much as commanding presence, and from not confusing self-confidence with being right.
Who are your role models?
I am motivated by observing the amazing women that lead the San Francisco office. I think the gender balance in our office helps contribute to a participative, inclusive, and empathetic workplace.
Nikita Jathan, New York
Who are your role models?
My role models are my female colleagues. It’s no coincidence that women are drawn to work in sustainability. I don’t think I’m alone in chasing a career where I can be a part of real solutions and changing the world for the better, while also embracing the science, technology, and innovative thinking driving those solutions. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by women in leadership roles, and women looking forward to a long career in sustainability – I have no shortage of role models to pull inspiration from every day.
Emilie Hagen, San Francisco
Where would you like to see changes in our industry to embrace greater equity?
Where do I start? These aren’t limited to our industry, but I want to see – reduced global income disparity, income equality between men and women, better access for women throughout the world to education and to birth control. Project Drawdown listed access to education and family planning for women as one of the most important things we can do to prevent climate disaster. I also want access in the United States and many other countries to better paid family leave, and more flexible work options for people throughout their careers.
Priya Gandhi, Melbourne
Who are your role models?
Julia Child is my most enduring role model. She was a passionate woman who went after what she wanted, found her love of cooking in her 40s, shared that appreciation broadly, and revolutionised home-cooking in the US. I admire her passion and authentic communication style.
When writing recipes for Mastering the Art of French Cooking, she took a scientific and practical approach to ensure that her recipes could be made by the average American housewife, who wouldn’t have access to French equipment or ingredients. In her pioneering TV show, The French Chef, she cooked her way through on-air mistakes, showing us perfection is not the goal. It is no simple feat to take something complex and serve it up bite-size (pun intended) to an interested, but amateur audience.
Let’s all channel our inner Julias – go after what you want, don’t be afraid to try something new, make mistakes, share your passion with others, and remember that good communication can make a huge difference. And of course, don’t be afraid of (vegan) butter!
Meghan Hadley, Melbourne
Who are your role models?
When I think about all the amazing women in who work in the built environment industry, there is a certain essential but underappreciated group who are overdue for recognition – administrative professionals. Think about the people you talk to every day; the receptionist who remembers you children’s birthdays, the HR assistant who works out of hours to run team social events, the finance admin who cheerfully chases your overdue invoices every month, the bid coordinator who is currently juggling 12 subcontractors for this week’s proposal.
Women overwhelmingly fill these positions – even though we make up less than 14% of the overall construction industry. Support roles also invariably expect a significant portion of emotional labour, wearing a cheerful expression as you’re juggling two phone calls, a bursting director’s inbox, grumpy colleagues who can’t get the wifi to work, and that Teams window which is currently chiming at 20 second intervals.
Thank you for all the work no-one noticed you doing – I know it comes from a deep sense of dedication to your job, and a strong personal drive to take care of the people around you. Without you – without us – the construction industry would grind quietly to a chaotic halt.
Shout out to some of the truly wonderful women I’ve worked with, you are so valuable.