Inspire and awe: Women and architecture
How do you turn obstacles into opportunities? How do you assert your clout amid an uneven playing field? For more than a century, women in architecture have been doing just that, breaking barriers and creating iconic buildings and meaningful spaces that inspire and awe.
Diversity, innovation, sensitivity, and holistic designs—these are characteristics of the design that women architects and urban designers have been emulating and promoting. As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s take a moment to recognize the achievements of these remarkable female architects.
Pioneering women in architecture
Women architects have defied a lot of obstacles, and with both their designs and stories, they create lasting impacts on the field.
Marion Mahony Griffin, one of the first licensed female architects in the United States, made significant contributions to the Prairie School movement and played a crucial role in the design of Canberra, Australia. Her work showcased an innovative integration of architecture with nature, particularly through her detailed watercolor renderings.
Julia Morgan was another pioneering architect who designed over 700 buildings, including the renowned Hearst Castle. She became the first woman licensed to practice architecture in California, known for her use of reinforced concrete and commitment to creating spaces for women and girls.
Jacqueline Tyrwhitt, a British urban designer, exemplified how women reshaped urban landscapes through collaborative efforts. Her work focused on integrating sustainable practices into urban planning, highlighting the collaborative and innovative approach that women bring to the field.
The Philippines, too, has seen a steady increase in women’s participation in architecture over the years. Mercedes Raffiñan Villarosa was the first woman to be licensed as an architect in the Philippines, achieving this milestone in 1934. Her pioneering work broke barriers for women in the field, paving the way for future generations.
Aida Cruz-Del Rosario was one of the first female architects in the Philippines, graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in 1947. She became the ninth licensed female architect in the country and is recognized for her contributions to designing various structures, including parts of the University of Baguio campus. Her work ethic and dedication have inspired many women to pursue careers in architecture.
Preserving cultural heritage
Ar. Lorelei de Viana
Ar. Lorelei de Viana stands as a champion of architectural conservation. She is a distinguished architect, art historian, and academic who has dedicated her career to heritage conservation.
When asked what inspires her to write about women in her research, she said: “It is rare or seldom that you find women in the grand narrative of stories and accounts. Thus their silent voices from the margins need to be studied and written because their causes and contributions to architecture and heritage deserve to be heard and read.”
As a prolific author, de Viana has contributed extensively to literature on architecture, art history, and Philippine studies. Her roles as a conservation architect, heritage consultant, and historical researcher have been instrumental in preserving the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. Her exceptional contributions earned her prestigious awards, including the National Book Award.
Innovating inclusive housing
Ar. Beth Ochoa Regala
Ar. Beth Ochoa Regala, a former United Architects of the Philippines chair, is a pioneering architect known for her advocacy in developing programs that prioritize accessibility and affordability, aiming to address housing disparities. Her commitment to inclusive housing reflects her dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to safe and decent living spaces.
Regala’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping housing policies that promote equity and social justice. Not only has she been reaping awards both local and international, but her body of work made her a respected figure in the field of urban development and housing.
When asked how an architect should design for affordable housing, she said: “Public safety should always be foremost in our minds whenever we design for housing as it impacts on thousands of lives.”
Mentoring the new generation of architects
Ar. Aurora Panopio
Dean Aurora Panopio, a distinguished architect and educator, has navigated a remarkable career trajectory from being a practicing architect to being the dean of National University Fairview. Her journey is marked by overcoming challenges as a woman in the male-dominated fields of construction and architecture.
Ar. Panopio was also a founding member of the Guild of Liturgical Designers and has a role in promoting heritage conservation through their university’s Bakás Pilipinas, Inc., which was aimed at preserving historic sites like the Quiapo Heritage Zone.
She is also committed to promoting gender equality, ensuring that students are protected from all forms of harassment. Observing the changing demographics in architecture education, where more women are now pursuing careers in the field, she sees this as a welcome opportunity in addressing gender disparity in the profession.
Shaping the future of architecture
Ar. Trina Roque-Joaquin and Ar. Trisha Oliveros
Architects Trina Roque Joaquin and Trisha Oliveros are at the forefront of a new generation of female architects.
Roque-Joaquin’s experience as a design assistant in Villar Properties prepared her to start her own design-build firm. With projects in Metro Manila and in Cabanatuan, she is proving that women can lead not just in design but also in construction.
Oliveros has had experience in private and public design fields. Her loyalty to her hometown, Legazpi City, led her to do considerable work under the local government’s engineering department, and architect’s office. She helmed the design management of the Legazpi City Hospital extension and now has a design firm of her own.
As emerging architects, they are setting new standards for architectural practice, combining technical expertise with a passion for creating beautiful and thoughtful spaces.
Trailblazing women
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we’re filled with excitement and admiration for the trailblazing women architects who have paved the way for others. Their stories of perseverance and creativity remind us that every individual has the power to make a lasting impact.
Let’s celebrate the fact that even when the playing field isn’t always even, women are built for endurance. We may give others a head start, but we’ll definitely meet them at the finish line as equals.
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