6 Women Making Waves in Architecture Education
Architecture and design schools are one of the many frontlines in an industry facing a constellation of challenges, not least among them COVID-19, climate change, equity, and social justice. A year into the global pandemic, as Zoom fatigue and a spiraling sense of isolation are impacting nearly everyone, an emphasis on connectivity—between disciplines, communities, other professions, and each other—remains top of mind.
In this two-part series (see part two here) honoring Women’s History Month, Interior Design speaks with 11 women forging positive change as architecture school deans in the northeast. In addition to being heavyweight researchers, writers, industry leaders, and advocates, they bring a unique perspective about what it’s like to break barriers at some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning—most of which have historically seen men dominate top leadership roles.
Right: Amale Andraos. Photography by Raymond Adams.
The conversation extends, as it must, past issues of gender to accessibility, race, socioeconomic status, and social justice. According to Dr. Harriet Harriss, dean at Pratt School of Architecture, “some of the recent hires reveal a collective longing for both new kinds of leaders and for new and more inclusive forms of leadership to emerge.” Keep reading for more insights and perspectives from education leaders in the field.
Left: Deborah Berke. Photography by Winnie Au.