This event discusses the support offered by architectural practices for the mental and physical health of women architects. It offers a forum to discuss the health experiences women architects have “in common” and which have previously not been embedded into architectural workplaces.
These include consideration of women’s:
• Mental space – Women in practice deal with a variety of bodily experiences which are unique to being female, including, but not limited to, PMS, reproductive health issues, endometriosis, IVF, miscarriage and stillbirth, pregnancy, post-partum, menopause. Women who suffer from these experiences can be affected in terms of their mental wellbeing. If unsupported this can affect their career progression, lead to career stagnation and leaving the workplace. It also affects the choices women architects make of which companies / employers / clients to work for and with.
• Physical space - Examples of architecture that is designed by and supportive of women’s mental and physical wellbeing are important in improving women’s health. Poorly appointed architecture perpetuates inequality!
This event focuses on different lived experiences to do with women’s health, whether an individual sharing their journey or sharing how they supported someone through a health experience. Enhancing women’s wellbeing in architecture can enhance women’s wellbeing in everyday life.
Speakers
Bridget Munro, WIA UK Vice-Chair, Associate architect and head of EDI at RSHP
Imogen Clark, CEO, Make Space for Girls charity, speaking about inclusive spaces
Jean Hewitt, Buro Happold, Inclusive Design, speaking about her work on the soon to be published BSI Menstrual and menopausal health in the workplace standard and the contribution that will make to women’s mental and physical wellbeing in the workplace
Anna Ifanti, Buro Happold, Specialist Consulting Project Leader and chartered architect, sharing her fertility journey, the impact it had on her professional progression and how it empowered her to pursue a midlife career change.
Anne Cosentino, Wellbeing Programme Lead, Architects Benevolent Society, talking about ABS's women’s mental health support
Event access
This event may be recorded or photographed.
This venue is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs or questions at valeria.c@rshp.com
The event will be held at RSHP's offices in the Leadenhall Building. Guests will need to register via Eventbrite in advance and ensure they have a photo ID on the day as this is required to gain access to the building. They will find a member of staff at the bottom of the escalators who will sign them in and direct them to reception on Level 02 for a soft bag check. After this, they will be guided towards the lifts to reach Level 14.