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Diversity &
Equity

The Victorian Pride Centre | Brearley Architects + Urbanists & Grant Amon Architects | Photographer: John Gollings

A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

FOSTERING INNOVATION AND STRENGTHENING THE PROFESSION THROUGH DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

The Institute is committed to proactively promoting equity, fairness and equality in practice and the profession, including equal access to opportunities, resources and the built environment. We will foster, value, respect and celebrate the contributions of those who bring diverse experiences, views and needs so that everyone can benefit from good architecture.

Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at the Institute include:

National Diversity and Inclusion Survey and Focus Groups  

Development of the future Diversity and Inclusion Policy for the Institute

This policy is anticipated to be issued for endorsement to National Council and approval to the Board in Quarter 1 2024.

The Diversity and Inclusion project is an initiative of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE)

A COMMITMENT TO GENDER EQUITY

The Institute believes that providing equal opportunities to all is a vital element in encouraging creativity and a promoting a more relevant, sustainable and dynamic profession.

Over the years, we have continuously ensured that we engage fairly with all our members, staff, and stakeholders. We have also taken actions to promote an architecture profession that welcomes diversity and offers more equitable access to opportunities for all regardless of gender and background.

Equity initiatives at the Institute include:

Development of the Gender Equity Policy
This policy outlines 11 principles as the foundation for the equal participation of women within the profession.

Establishment of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE)
NCGE comprises a diverse membership and provides meaningful contributions both within and outside the Institute.

Formation of gender equity groups in various chapters of the Institute

Regular hosting of relevant events and projects in collaboration with industry partners

Diversity and Inclusion Survey Report

Diversity and Inclusion in the Architectural Profession

This report is the result of the Institute’s first national Diversity & Inclusion Survey.

The report presents profession-specific demographics, diversity and inclusion data not previously collected by the Institute. Where possible, the data collected has been benchmarked using Australian Bureau of Statistics Census/Survey data and membership record data.

It collates the benchmarked data collected from 1,673 survey respondents, summarises 612 open-ended comments and provides a thematic summary of six focus groups.

The results will help us develop the future Diversity and Inclusion policy, with the purpose of taking positive steps to lead the profession toward people-centred, evidence-based transformation.

We thank everyone who participated in the survey and focus groups, for sharing your perspectives on the profession.

The Diversity and Inclusion project is an initiative of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE).

Survey consultant: Survey Matters
D&I consultant: Felicity Menzies, Inlcude-Empower

Read the report

MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR GENDER EQUITY

Gender Equality Committee
(L-R): Jenna Holder, Sophie Bence, Melonie Bayl-Smith, Gill Matthewson, Ashliegh Taylor, Tiffany Molloy, Kylie-JoAnn Hughes, Anne Clisby, Ben Shields
Marika Neustupny

Marika Neustupny - Chair 

I am a Director of small-medium practice, NMBW Architecture Studio in Melbourne/Naarm and part-time academic. My personal background is half Japanese, half Czech. In terms of practice, I have recently worked on projects with/for First Nations users, and in terms of research, I have contributed 4 entries for the Japanese section of the forthcoming Bloomsbury Global Encyclopedia of Women in Architecture. I joined the NCGE in June 2021 and I’m highly motivated to work on the Diversity & Inclusion Policy particularly regarding culturally related aspects, but also have interest in practice related issues such as Awards & Honours.

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Ben Peake

Ben Peake

I am an Architect and Design Director at Carter Williamson, living and practicing on Gadigal and Wangal Country. In addition to the National Committee for Gender Equity, I am a member of the NSW Gender Equity Team, and Co-Chair of the Medium Practice Forum. I’m particularly interested in the role of architects within broader society, and how the profession can be more representative of the communities we design for.

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Greta Stoutjesdijk

Greta Stoutjesdijk

I am currently a Senior Architect working in practice, originally having trained in Aotearoa New Zealand, and now based in Melbourne on Naarm Country. I have a continued interest and focus on gender equity within practice and have been instrumental in driving grass roots employee awareness and programmes within my workplaces. Having previously been involved in New Zealand Institute of Architects and other Design Committees, I joined the NCGE in May 2020. My project interests have been updating the Gender Equity Acumen note and developing the Gender Equity Toolbox project - including delivering stage one within the Acumen note revision. I am extremely passionate about the work the NCGE is doing and how it can continue to influence the membership and wider profession.

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Talia Keyes
Catherine Styles

Catherine Styles - SONA Member

By age 30 I had a PhD in museums as sites for informal learning—and a newborn baby. I worked for national cultural institutions for 15 years (archives, museum, portrait gallery), then for the regulator/supporter of Indigenous corporations. Once my daughter had grown into a beautiful, competent grown-up I found the wherewithal to start learning to architect.
As student rep on the NCGE I will consider the big picture, question everything and propose moves—incremental and/or radical—to make the profession and the industry more just for the living world and all its beings.
I lived a half-century on Ngunnawal Country and from 2023 I will be on Larrakia Country working to support community control of Aboriginal housing.

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Olivia McKim

Olivia McKim - EmAGN Member

Currently a Graduate of Architecture with project experience in high-end and high-rise residential, practicing in Adelaide on Tarntanyangga Land. While navigating my way through the early stages of my career, I developed an interest in how our leaders in practice and education gained the experience and knowledge they have. This led to the creation of ‘The Designer Journals’ podcast, chatting to people who share stories about architecture and life. Having overcome my own struggles throughout my studies and entering the workforce, I wanted to create a safe space to have open discussions about careers in architecture and construction.
I joined the NCGE committee in June 2022 with project interests in communications to increase awareness of gender equity and supporting the upcoming generation of designers, architects, and leaders.

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Peter Raisbeck

Peter Raisbeck

I am an Associate Professor of Architectural Practice in Melbourne on Naarm Country, at the Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne. Since 2006 I have been teaching Architectural Practice, Design Activism and Contemporary Architectural Archives. I am a registered architect.

I have lived experience of disability as I can no longer walk. In September of 2018 I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. For some, this disease will eventually trap you inside of your own body. Taking away the ability to move, eat, breathe and speak, all while your cognitive function remains untouched. Since this diagnosis I have become increasingly passionate about diversity and inclusion in the architectural profession.

I have published three books: Architecture as a System: Scavengers, Tribes, Warlords and Megafirms, published in 2019. Robin Boyd: Late Works 1960 - 1971 co-authored with Dr. Christine Phillips published in 2020. My book, Architects, Sustainability and the Climate Emergency: A Political Ecology will be published in November 2022.

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Sarah McGann

Sarah McGann – Special Member

Professor Sarah McGann is an architectural researcher and Head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Deakin University on Wadawurrung Country. At Deakin, Sarah Chairs the Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) taskforce for the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. Sarah’s research expertise is in design for wellbeing, ageing and palliative care. Maintaining her registration as an Architect in Ireland, Sarah continues to consult with a range of architectural practices, and health and aged care providers on built environment matters. Sarah’s funded work includes investigating the impact design and spatial practices have upon building occupants. She is currently the Principle Investigator in an interdisciplinary project that examines the design of aged care facilities and their impact on Quality of Life indicators.

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Kym Muir

Kym Muir

I am a Director of a residential practice based in Perth and the South West of WA.
Like many architects I juggle my practice, with raising 3 children and a number of professional roles which currently include WA Chapter Council, Honours Committee and Co-chair for the Gender Equity Taskforce in WA.
Over the last 30 years I have seen too many women leave our profession. As a result, I am very passionate about improving the retention of women in architecture and helping drive positive change in Gender Equity and Diversity at all levels of practice. I am excited to work with the National Committee of Gender Equity ( NCGE) to enhance resources, initiatives and events which support and encourage the retention, registration, and leadership of women in architecture. A diverse and equitable architectural profession will make for better practice and built outcomes for all.

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Tanya Golitschenko

Tanya Golitschenko

A Senior Associate Architect at Hassell and champion of Urban Transport Projects in the Brisbane Studio practising on Jagera and Turrbal Land; a single mother of a strong future female leader, a koala advocate and treasurer of a Not-For-Profit. Tanya serves as a mentor, coach, and advocate for women in architecture and construction while championing inclusive cities and sustainable environments.
Tanya Golitschenko challenges society to remember the outliers and stands up for those still finding their voice. Her daughter Florence, born with hearing loss, reminds her how compassion and good design can empower all members of society.

Tanya has crafted a respected career in Urban transport infrastructure projects, actively helping to shape the city and facilitating widespread accessibility in Brisbane’s public spaces while simultaneously promoting the representation of young women in design and construction. Challenging the status quo and business-as-usual ideologies, Tanya has built a career and rapport within the industry of influence and leadership. Tanya sees this as a great privilege and a platform to mentor and coach other women to have the confidence to speak up and value themselves.

As chair of the NAWIC Qld education and mentoring committee, she supports other amazing women to do the same; to provide education, mentoring, scholarships, and leadership training to women across our profession. Tanya has joined the NCGE committee to revolutionise the industry's perception of parenthood and professionalism by modelling a different way of working, Tanya recognises that Visibility is the key to empowering females in Architecture.

Tanya’s contributions to architecture and the community were recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland Chapter, through receiving the 2022 Emerging Architect Prize.

Read More
Kayla Dunn

ARTICLES AND MEDIA

Learn more about diversity and equality in the profession through our series of articles and stories on women shaping the architectural landscape. Women in Architecture Articles and Reports from the NCGE

Melonie Bayl-Smith interview with Gill Matthewson

Kellie McGivern Interviews Newest Member Melonie Bayl-Smith on the Influences of Her Career

Progress Report for 2018 – Michael Gay

Importance claiming recognition – Melonie Bayl-Smith

Recruitment: Honestly, transparently…apparently – Michael Gay

Creativity and Humanity: The Benefits of Part Time Employment – Madeline Sewall

2017 NCGE Update – Michael Smith

The Merits of Mentoring – Michael Smith

Leadership – Emma Williamson

Meet the 2016 Gender Equity Committee – Lee Hillam

EOFY Resolutions: Fair and Equitable Pay for all – Leone Lorrimer

Women in Architecture:  BKA Architecture – Lee Hillam

Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize – Article by Parlour

Mentors Preparing for Practice – Michael Smith and Sonia Sarangi

Multiplying Diversity – Gill Matthewson

‘You must be fierce’ – Lee Hillam

Speak up, women! – Gill Matthewson

GET-ting on with it! – Lee Hillam

Vale Zaha Hadid, 1950 – 2016 – Gill Matthewson

Mind the Gap – Gill Matthewson

Shock horror statistics – Gill Matthewson

Parental Leave Membership with Australian Institute of Architects – NCGE

The Parlour effect – Gill Matthewson

Same words different mouth – Gill Matthewson

Parlour and NCGE – Emma Williamson

NCGE – Article for Parlour by NCGE

The business case for gender equity – Michael Smith

Who counts? – Gill Matthewson

Meet Emma Williamson – Emma Williamson (Deputy Chair of NCGE, Former Chair of NCGE)

The equity interviews: Ross Clark – Michael Smith

The equity interviews: Paul Berkemier – Michael Smith

The equity interview:  David Parken – Michael Smith

The equity interview: David Karotkin – Michael Smith

Architecture and the Goldilocks syndrome – Gill Matthewson

Updating the numbers, part 1: at school -Gill Matthewson

Updating the numbers, part 2: at work – Gill Matthewson

Counting registered architects: no easy matter – Gill Matthewson

Angie the architect meets Rosie the riveter – Gill Matthewson

Building community – Lee Hillam

Taking it to the limit: women as architectural breach – Gill Matthewson

Why bother? – Gill Matthewson

The numbers so far – Gill Matthewson

Women, leadership and democracy – Gill Matthewson

Architect, Barbie and Vitruvius – Gill Matthewson

Studying gender and the profession – Gill Matthewson

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Prizes

Professor Helen Lochhead | 2019 prize winner

PAULA WHITMAN LEADERSHIP IN GENDER EQUITY PRIZE

The Paula Whitman Prize was established in 2015 to celebrate and champion the works of our members and leaders. It recognises individuals and groups who have exemplified exceptional leadership and made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of gender equity in architectural practice, education and governance.

Discover more

MEMBERSHIP

PARENTAL LEAVE – SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MEMBERSHIP

The Institute is committed to supporting architects to progress in their careers without having to compromise their important roles in nurturing their families.

The Institute offers special provisions for members who are unable to participate fully in employment due to being on parental leave from their normal employment.

These members enjoy:

  • Entitlement to all normal benefits of membership
  • Discounted annual fee set at a 75 per cent reduced rate of the normal fee for a Level 1 (non-A+) member.

Terms and conditions:

  • Parental leave applies to existing members, but no prior membership period applies
  • Members who do not work more than 20 hours per week because they are the primary carer of one or more children aged five years or under
  • The special subscription rate applies for a period of two years from the time the application is approved
  • Eligible members must reapply for the Parental Leave rate at not more than two-yearly intervals
  • Evidence of eligibility must be provided before eligibility can be approved.

Want to discuss your options? Email the membership team at: membership@architecture.com.au

Mother and father hold and looking at newborn
Photographer: Kelly Sikkema

Contact us

Fill in the form to contact the National Committee for Gender Equity or raise any diversity and equality related issues, concerns or comments.

Enquiry

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The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.

We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.

We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.

Read our Statement of Support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Constitutional Recognition and the Voice to Parliament.

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