Last night, we were delighted to host ‘Building Minds: Empowerment of Women in Architecture and Construction’.
The heart of the event was a powerful panel discussion, expertly moderated by Kate Marlow of Here. We were honoured to have Rachael Davidson, founding member of SMITHS; Paula Chandler, National Design Director for Wates Group; Rebecca Heald, founder of the Heald Method; Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group; and Cassandra Codling, Regional Director of NHBC, share their invaluable insights.
Their candid discussion explored key themes including: self-advocacy, perseverance, the importance of community, career progression and leadership roles, balancing motherhood with work, and the crucial role of men as allies. This discussion, alongside strategies for improving retention and hiring rates of women in architecture and construction, was both enlightening and inspiring.
The evening culminated in a deeply moving interview with Dame Kelly Holmes, Olympian, multi-medallist, and activist. Dame Kelly's story of unwavering drive, passion, and the realities of burnout, alongside her experiences as a gay woman in the armed forces during a time of adversity, was profoundly impactful. Her warmth, sincerity, and openness left a lasting impression on everyone present. It was truly a privilege to hear her speak.
Dame Kelly graciously stayed to engage with our guests, and the celebration continued well into the night. This event was a testament to the power of shared experiences and the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within our industries.
Huge thanks to all our wonderful collaborators for supporting the event - Carhartt, Iris Ceramica Group, Mapei, Schluter Systems, LUXY, Crosswater UK, Burlington, Superbeam, James Mason, Jo Love.
Last but not least, thank you to the brilliant Solus team who made this all happen and for facilitating such an important conversation in the industry. We're looking forward to the next one!