Study: 'Leaky Pipeline' Diminishes the Role of Women in Architecture

Although more women are studying architecture, equal footing is quickly lost as they progress through their careers according to a new study by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

1 minute read

October 11, 2014, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Elizabeth Fazzare shares news of a study by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) finding that the number of females in architecture school is increasing, but "leaks within the professional pipeline mean that few are reaching top positions and subsequent recognition."

According to Fazzare, the study used data from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center for Education Statistics, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Pritzker Prize and their own surveys to follow "the progress of women architects from degrees to practices." 

Women exit the profession early, with 17 percent not beginning practice after receiving architecture degrees. Moreover, "[of] those that stay, the rise to the top is difficult. 19 percent of United States architecture school deans are female. Women make up 17 percent of AIA firm principals and partners. And the percentages of female winners for prestigious architecture awards are minuscule in comparison to their male contemporaries."

The article also includes visualizations of the "leaky pipeline" to drive the extent of the problem home.

Monday, October 6, 2014 in Architizer

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