A month celebrating women in architecture at LJA
Editors
- Chun-Li Reid (Graphics & Part 2 Architectural Assistant)
Women in architecture have long been underrepresented in a profession that remains largely male dominated, with only 31% of architects identifying as female. This imbalance has shaped the industry in ways that do not always reflect the diversity of the people and communities for whom we design.
At LJA, we are committed to fostering an environment where all team members are supported, encouraged, and empowered to progress, qualify, and thrive in their careers. We recognise the challenges that exist, but we also see immense opportunity in embracing diverse perspectives.
Architecture is not created for one type of person; it serves people of different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Diverse voices in design lead to richer, more inclusive spaces that respond thoughtfully to the needs of the community. By nurturing talent from all backgrounds, we can better reflect the world we are building for.
This initiative celebrates the journeys, inspirations, and voices of the women at LJA. From emerging designers to established leaders, their creativity, insight, and determination are shaping not only our practice but also the broader architectural landscape. Their contributions remind us that architecture is a collaborative discipline, strengthened by diversity, curiosity, and innovation.
Through this celebration, we hope to inspire the next generation of women architects, showcase the value of inclusivity, and reaffirm our commitment to designing spaces that serve everyone, everywhere.
Female Voices In Architecture
Chun-Li Reid
Graphics and Part 2 Architectural Assistant
What has your career path looked like, and has it been what you expected?
My career journey into architecture hasn’t been linear. It’s taken me down many creative paths from graphic design to marketing, to developing my own show, Cooking with An Architect, and back to architecture. These twists and turns have shaped me into who I am today and led me to a path that honours the skills I’ve developed along the way.
What has helped you grow or feel supported in your role at LJA?
During my time at LJA, I have felt supported and encouraged in my dual role as a graphics and Part 2 Architectural Assistant, with one role drawing on a skill I developed independently and the other on a skill I was trained in. Together, these experiences have helped shape a career path that truly reflects who I am today and the impact I want to make in the architecture industry.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in architecture today?
Advice I would give to someone starting out in architecture: don’t be afraid to explore other areas of your creativity. These skills will help shape the architect you are becoming.
Parinaz Haghdost
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
What first inspired you to pursue architecture?
Architecture initially attracted me because of its unique ability to merge creativity with engineering. I was particularly drawn to how the discipline connects diverse areas of knowledge, including photography, graphic representation, technical drawing, and analytical thinking. This combination allows both artistic expression and technical precision to coexist within a single field. What fascinates me most about architecture is how these different skills come together to shape meaningful, functional spaces that influence the way people experience and interact with their environment.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in architecture today?
Have a realistic perspective of the profession when starting out. Speak with practicing architects and stay curious about how different companies and projects actually work. Don’t rely only on your imagination of what architecture might be, understanding the real working environment will help guide your decisions, expectations, and long-term career development.
Anna Coulton
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Probably committing to the full journey. Completing my BA and MArch gave me the space to develop my design thinking and discover what I’m truly passionate about in architecture. Now, doing my Part 3 while working full time is its own kind of challenge. Jumping straight into it after graduating in the summer was a bold decision, but I’m glad I did. There’s still a way to go, but it feels like everything is starting to come together.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in architecture today?
Be patient with the process. Becoming an architect takes time, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not moving fast enough, especially when friends in other fields seem ahead. But every stage teaches you something, and the experience you gain along the way is truly valuable. Don’t rush, focus on learning and growing from each part of the journey.
Anna Doroba
Architect
What first inspired you to pursue architecture?
In high school, I applied to a class that prepared students to study architecture in Poland. I got in and loved the architectural drawing classes as well as the lessons at the local museum of architecture. My teachers were incredibly supportive and encouraged me to apply to study architecture abroad.
What has your career path looked like, and has it been what you expected?
I had a really classic route for an architecture student. I was quite prepared about what to expect, however I did not consider that I would land in the aviation team so early in my career.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Everything! Passing my exams in such a challenging and demanding field. Working on the projects that are so diverse and complicated. Working in architecture that has been the dream for the teenage me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in architecture today?
Be ambitious and hard-working but remember not to forget about your wellbeing and hobbies you had before entering the field.
