Did you know that more than half of CNH Architects’ staff are women? Nine of the company’s 13 staff members are women, including three in leadership positions.
Women have long been the minority in the architecture field, though that’s steadily starting to change. In 2019, according to NCARB.org, nearly two in five new architects were women. Those women completed the licensure process two months faster than the average women did in 2018. Also according to NCARB, women architects are setting the bar high. On average, they complete their education, experience, and examination requirements sooner than their male peers. In 2019, women finished their core licensure requirements in an average of 11.9 years.
At CNH, women staff members include two licensed architects, one certified interior designer, three architectural designers, one interior designer, one accountant, and one marketing manager.
Being a woman in the architecture / construction industry has definitely had its challenges over the years and continues to do so, but I am proud of the fact that CNH has not only supported women in our firm but also fosters the development of women in leadership roles within the firm. Sixteen years ago I was the only female architect/designer in the firm, today I am one of seven architects/designers that now make up the majority of the firm.
-Brooke Jacobson, CNH Principal Architect
With the growth, also comes more support. Professional organizations such as the Organization of Women Architects and Design Professionals (OWA) and Association for Women in Architecture and Design (AWA+D) are increasing their presence in the workplace, as are socially-driven groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. CNH Senior Associate Jessica Johnson Kreps is an active member of Women in Architecture and Mothers in Architecture groups on Facebook.
“It’s a supportive community, and a good place to go for work and home life advice. The other women truly understand where you’re coming from,” Johnson Kreps said. “It was especially nice when I was completing my ARE exams.”
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, several presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history. To learn more, visit womenshistorymonth.gov.