Celebrating progression across the practice

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions of women across Associated Architects.

This year we are celebrating four colleagues who were recently promoted within the practice. Their progression reflects the talent, commitment and collaboration that shape our studios and projects.

We spoke to Rosangela Sinapi, Alexandra Slatter, Hannah Perry and Amy Kirby about their career journeys, the progress they have seen within the profession, and the changes they would still like to see in the future.

Alongside recognising individual achievements, the practice continues to support conversations about the experiences of women in architecture through initiatives such as the Women in Practice Focus Group, which provides a space for discussion, shared learning and peer support.

Rosangela Sinapi

Senior Architect

My recent promotion feels particularly rewarding within a practice that delivers meaningful projects and aligns its work with strong human values. During my time in the profession I have seen encouraging progress for women in architecture, and at Associated Architects I have experienced genuine support for women working in what has traditionally been a male dominated field. Initiatives such as the Women in Practice Focus Group are important because they create space for women to discuss issues that can sometimes be overlooked in the day to day pace of practice. Looking ahead, I would like to see more training within practices to help remove gender bias, alongside stronger and clearer action from professional bodies such as the ARB and RIBA against discrimination. For women starting their careers in architecture, my advice is simple: stay true to your passion, your values and your self respect.

Alexandra Slatter

Senior Associate

Being promoted within the practice is a reminder that hard work pays off, and it is rewarding to see that recognised. Architecture can be a demanding profession, so my advice to women starting their careers is to advocate for yourself, stay curious, continue investing in your skills and surround yourself with people who champion your development. During my career I have seen positive changes in how practices support working parents. Earlier on, enhanced maternity or paternity packages were rare, but initiatives such as the family friendly package introduced at Associated Architects in 2022 reflect a real shift in supporting long term careers in the profession. However, I would still like to see more women progressing into senior roles. Too many leave the profession before reaching that stage, so understanding and addressing those barriers is vital for meaningful change.

Hannah Perry

Senior Associate

I’m really pleased to have been promoted and to take on new responsibilities within the practice while continuing to develop professionally. For women starting their careers in architecture, my advice is to immerse yourself in the office environment. There is so much to learn from what is happening around you, and that learning continues throughout your career. I was fortunate to work alongside female architects from the beginning of my career, at a time when that was not always common. It has been encouraging to see the growing representation of women across architecture and the wider construction industry since then. Ultimately, I hope we reach a point where there is no longer a need to highlight women in the profession separately. Initiatives such as the Women in Practice Focus Group help create space for conversation and support across the practice.

Amy Kirby

Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist

Being promoted is really rewarding and reinforces that technologists can receive the recognition they deserve when they put the work in. My advice to women starting their careers, particularly those pursuing the technologist route, is to begin working towards MCIAT chartership as early as possible. Starting that process is an important step in believing in your own abilities. Having taken time to begin mine, I now wish I had done it sooner, as it helped me recognise just how much knowledge and experience I had already built, while also highlighting areas where I wanted to grow, particularly in confidence. It has been encouraging to see more women progressing into senior and management roles across the industry, but I would still like to see women feel fully supported when returning to work after maternity leave. Initiatives such as the Women in Practice Focus Group are important because they create opportunities to share experiences, understand common challenges and support one another across the practice.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity not only to recognise achievements, but also to reflect on the experiences and perspectives that continue to shape the profession.

The reflections shared by Rosangela, Alexandra, Hannah and Amy highlight both the progress that has been made for women in architecture and architectural technology, and the importance of continuing to support long term careers within the industry.

Through initiatives such as the Women in Practice Focus Group, alongside policies including enhanced parental leave and family friendly support, Associated Architects remains committed to creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to develop, progress and contribute to the future of the practice.