Architecture has a reputation for being white male-dominated and not easily accessible to other demographics. While our field cannot be solely credited for its disparity, certain historical stereotypes about the practice of architecture have lent themselves to perpetuating the gender gap.
OZ is aware of this and strives to remediate these values and overcome the bias by promoting individual excellence and providing opportunities for everyone. In fact, in reference to national statistics, OZ has taken steps to rise above averages, not solely for the sake of gender ratios, but for the merit that creating tools for individual success can lead to the advancement of one's career goals and form a path to increased responsibility and even leadership.
Women account for 53% of US architecture students and architecture graduates but only about 23.3% of licensed architects (1). This is due to a number of silent impediments stemming from a few factors, primarily a generation ago when women were not encouraged to pursue STEM careers, resulting in many architecture schools’ oversite and lack of vision in admitting women until 1972, when Title IX was passed. Title IX forbade gender discrimination in federally funded education programs and opened the door to women interested in traditionally male-dominated career paths. Continuing reasons for the disparity include harassment, lack of female role models and comradery, lack of female leadership, family needs, and regressive social expectations and gender norms (2). Thankfully, major changes in the education system were re-vamped in the 1970s and 80s to encourage women to embrace STEAM careers and provide them with the skills and background for success. As a result, women in their 50s who graduated and began working as architects in the 1980s and 1990s are now in positions to lead firms and make significant waves within the field.
So where does our field stand today, and how does OZ continue to strive to break these barriers?
The fractures in the glass ceiling are growing as the field changes and evolves. Overall statistics are leaning towards equality, with that goal being well within the next generation's reach. Below are a series of statistics taken from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture regarding the formalized history and the OZ statistics that push the boundary for our women and challenge the industry to do better:
As OZ steps in with its own commendable statistics and access to success and internal career growth, a regular check-in helps gauge our progress. Currently our Board of Directors is 60% women. Furthermore, since 2008 (the past 16 years), we have had a Managing Partner or Board President position held by a female. We are 50.4% women, with many in lead roles such as Project Architect, Interior Project Architect, Senior Interior Designer, and Project Manager. OZ has clearly defined the paths to each of these roles and ensures opportunities for advancement by uprooting the traditional hierarchy in many architectural firms, that project managing is the only path to career and financial advancement.
To assist in various development paths, OZ has created several unique tools to guide architects and designers in their career choices as they progress along a desired radius. Principal-in-Charge is a needed role and may be a desired outcome for some, but OZ recognizes that roles of all levels are required to create high performing teams who work collaboratively to achieve innovative and excellent outcomes.
While each of these roles and titles comes with established responsibilities and expectations, we have several programs to ensure success and support alongside each step, which is what really provides equal opportunity at OZ:
With many different Practice Areas and even more project teams, OZ is a uniquely independent and boutique firm with many incredible role models (of all genders). We are large enough to provide many opportunities, but small enough to be highly engaged with our projects and teams. As leadership continues to provide space for and empower women, the EDI Committee asked two principals—Tracy Boyer and Becky Stone—to give their thoughts on how OZ provides a path to success for everyone.
How is OZ creating a path for the next generation of women?
OZ has a rich history of women in project and firm leadership roles. I have never felt that being female held me back at this firm. Hard work and expertise is valued and rewarded. As we nurture the next generations at OZ, we look forward to developing and growing our deep bench of women through mentorship, expertise, skills advancement, professional development, and providing personal connections and support. –Becky Stone
OZ is committed to providing equal opportunity for career growth and advancement for all staff. We have been thoughtful and inclusive in our career development paths. We believe that design/creative, management, and technical talents are all needed for successful project outcomes, and therefore, our staff are compensated equally for equal experience and talents in these areas. Decisions are based on performance, responsibility, and accountability. See the above graphic that illustrates this structure for our architects and interior designers. –Becky Stone
Compensation is reviewed twice a year to align with each role's professional standards. We have a Compensation Committee that is comprised of leaders from different practice areas, People and Culture, our CFO, and the two Partners that provide strategic direction. The members of the committee hold each other accountable to be unbiased and equitable and use consistent review criteria for different levels of the firm. OZ leadership is committed to equity at all levels and recognizes its importance to everyone in the organization. –Tracy Boyer
Additionally, all our staff at OZ (Design Professionals, People and Culture, Marketing, Operations, Information Technology, Project and Administrative Support, and Finance and Accounting) contribute to our success. We encourage the development of all staff through mentorship, experience, and opportunities. Individuals who excel in their roles are promoted in role and responsibility. We value contribution to the firm beyond design professionals and strive to foster growth firmwide. –Becky Stone
I have built an expertise in my resort and hospitality practice that has allowed me to surpass all my career expectations as a young architect. My experience at OZ has allowed me to pursue my passion, opportunity for leadership, increased responsibility as I grew in my skills and competencies and the freedom to explore. My graduating class in architecture school had about 10% women. I worked hard and was very driven to be a high achiever. This was recognized, and I became the managing partner at OZ at just 38 years old - the firm's leadership believed in me and mentored me to help me succeed. I felt trusted and like I had a voice in the firm, and that culture is one of the most unique things about OZ. –Becky Stone
Gender, or any kind of personal identification, is peripheral to passion, knowledge, skills, and the ability to lead and mentor. OZ is taking emblematic steps towards the future, with individualized paths to success by fostering growth in responsibility, accountability, skills, leadership opportunities, and expertise. Because OZ values and supports mentorship, we have a surplus of people of all genders who are excited and willing to provide support and coaching. We understand that creating successful, strong teams begins with appreciating every individual for the efforts they bring to our process, projects, and culture.
Footnotes:
(1) Architect Demographics and Statistics in the US
(2) Around the year 2222, we will Equalize Women's Leadership in Architecture! -200 more years to go! By: Dr. Farzana Chohan
(3) 2022 AIA Membership Demographics Report Released: November 29, 2023(4)
Six Innovative Projects by Women Architects
Op-Ed: Why is the world of architecture so male-dominated? Los Angeles Times
Housing Prototypes - The Male-Dominated Field of Architecture Released: October 24, 2022
hello@ozarch.com
303-861-5704
3003 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205
