10 Influential Women in Design
In 1911, over one million people around the world celebrated history’s first “International Women’s Day.” Two years later, March 8 was officially marked as its annual holiday. After another 70 years, the U.S. Congress recognized “Women’s History Month” in March. Notably, it’s a time dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Women have been playing catch-up in a wide variety of industries. The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is no different. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that women made up only 26.3% of the AEC industry. But that number is growing.
Trailblazers of this path are women like these 10 individuals, recognized for their innovation, leadership, and positive influence. From an AIA president to one of the most influential designers in the Middle East/North Africa region to Metropolis magazine’s Rising Star and more, here’s a look at last year’s recognitions from the industry’s leading designers.
Top left: Associate Twee Andersen; Associate Vaida Buchrotaite; Associate Courtney Gallagher; Emma Holland; Associate Christina DeAmicis; Associate Vanessa Vu; Senior Associate Danielle Farchmin; Zehui Hong, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP; Principal Leanne Meyer-Smith, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Senior Associate Korey White, AIA
- IIDA Northland named Interior Designer Twee Andersen a recipient of its 19th Annual FAB Interior Design Awards.
- Our Dubai studio’s Interiors Leader, Vaida Buchrotaite, was celebrated as one of the most influential in the MENA region’s interior design industry by Commercial Interior Design as part of its “Power 50” list.
- Four interior designers – Christina DeAmicis, Courtney Gallagher, Emma Holland, and Vanessa Vu – were named by Interior Design magazine as recipients of their inaugural 30 Under 30 awards, recognizing designers who excel in the design industry.
- Boutique Design, the authority in the boutique hospitality market, has named Interior Designer Danielle Farchmin as one of its Boutique 18 Honorees.
- Mechanical Designer Zehui Hong, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, was selected for ASHRAE’s LeaDRS Program.
- Principal Leanne Meyer-Smith, AIA, LEED BD+C, is the newly appointed president for the AIA Illinois Board of Directors, focused on developing future leaders through shadowing experience.
- Korey White, AIA, was elected to the American Institute of Architects National Board of Directors as an At-Large Director for the 2023-2025 term.
It’s imperative that we continue acknowledging, celebrating, and encouraging these accomplishments. This goes beyond March, and it goes beyond these 11 incredible women. Within our firm, 44% of our employee-owners are women. That means we have plenty of opportunities to elevate more voices, and we will continue acting on that fact.
Hear from more trailblazers in our Annual Report or in this roundup of ideas.
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