|||
Welcome to this month’s June issue, which we have themed our first ever women’s issue. And, having read this month’s Peter Murray column, I think Monica Pidgeon, former editor of Architectural Design, and I might have gotten on. A tough cookie I can certainly relate to… prone to being beastly to colleagues – well only before 10am.
While Pidgeon and her contemporaries were a handful of women in the world of architecturenow, when one looks at the average intake into higher education courses for design, interiors and architecture, there is far more of a gender balance. Cut to 20, 25 years in the profession, however, and the picture looks depressingly familiar: too few women in senior positions and the gender pay gap very much in evidence.
That said, we thought it was worth highlighting four women who are leading the way in their professions: Alice Black, director of the Design Museum; Pernille Stafford, founding principal of Resonate Interiors; Rachel Haugh, founding partner of architect SimpsonHaugh; and Natasha Bonugli, regional principal of design for Unispace. Read all about it in the magazine. It was fascinating to watch them interact at our photoshoot in north London – how interested they were in finding out what each other did and genuinely curious about each other’s achievement, without it descending into oneupmanship – as, sorry guys, I suspect it might do with four high-flying males.
We’ve threaded the theme of women in architecture and design throughout the issue, including Perkins + Will’s Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, where a focus on open, collaborative working has helped encourage greater takeup of certain courses by the female student population.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh-based Alyn Griffiths let us know about the OnSite scheme. This project, by designer Beebe Skidmore, was for clients Alicia McVey and Liz Valentine, who founded creative agency Swift over a decade ago and were looking for an upgrade for their Portland-based HQ after steadily growing from two to over 120 employees. We particularly like the subtle nods to sisterhood such as the XX lights in the ceiling and the fact that 60% of employees and 50% of management at this firm are the fairer sex.
Also in the magazine, Deborah Saunt of DSDHA talks about urban planning around London’s Tottenham Court Road, while finally Gill Parker, CEO of BDG lets off steam in this month’s Shredder. A testament to the often-quoted statement: if you want something said ask a man, and if you want something done ask a woman. Indeed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE
OnGoing
From the editor The June issue celebrates leading women in the industry
News Aukett Swanke completes a landmark office in Victoria
Grant Gibson on… Berlin-based Horizn Studios’ Cabin Trolley M suitcase
On London Murray reflects on London’s pioneering female architects
On Topic Deborah Saunt shares DSDHA’s West End urban plan
Clerkenwell preview Looking ahead to this year’s highlight events and launches
Products Brands showcase their latest products, all in one place
The Shredder Gill Parker, BDG architecture + design, shares her pet hates
OnSite
Creative culture Swift’s HQ celebrates the company’s core values
Money’s worth TP Bennett creates a grand new workspace for UBS
Met the brief The Met police moves back to the Curtice Green Building
In good stead Konishi Gaffney turns a Fife steading into a shared office
OnTop
Fair trade Perkins + Will’s trade centre attracts more female students
RegiOn
Industrial city A look at Manchester’s thriving commercial industry
OnStage
Cover story: Building change In conversation with women leading the way in design
On co-working Fora launches a ‘pro-working’ model in Clerkenwell
On the double Philip Ross argues for more apps in the workplace
OnOff
Fab floor How the sisters behind Bolon are flooring the competition
Mindful design Woods Bagot discusses introverts in the workplace
Milan review A selection of top moments from Milan Design Week 2017
Tailor-made Benedetti Architects updates a tailor’s listed workshop
How Pernille Stafford, Alice Black, Natasha Bonugli and Rachel Haugh are reshaping the dynamics of the industry
