International Women's day and Women's History Month
Verdant Studio is proud to be a woman-owned business with many talented and created women on the team! This month, we hope to celebrate all of Verdant Studio's amazing women, along with the many others who have paved the way and continue to pursue opportunities for women in business and the architecture industry.
Although this number is growing, women are still highly underrepresented in architecture and related industries.
The American Institute of Architect (AIA) has more than 94,000 members, including architectural professionals, licensed professionals, individuals pursuing licensure, and those pursuing a wide array of career paths in the built environment. The 2021 AIA Membership Demographic Report (latest available data), indicates that women and members of racial and/or ethnic groups remain underrepresented in AIA’s total membership. Just under 25% of all licensed architects are women! There is a higher share of women in the Associate membership category (41.7% in 2021) than in overall membership. Likewise, a growing number of Associate members obtaining their licenses are women (40.1% in 2021) - indicating a strong potential for greater diversity in the future.
Eight of Verdant Studio's fifteen person team are women. Here's what they had to say about working in the architecture industry and their experience at Verdant Studio:
"Some of the most interesting things about working in Architecture are problem solving and the creative and human process behind it. I think our team at Verdant is great at working together, leaning on, and learning from everyone; there is a huge sense that everyone’s contribution is important to the success of each project and the firm as whole. I am impressed by the women in our studio, we lift each other up and celebrate each other's successes as our own!" -Adela C Smalley
"Two of my favorite things about working in architecture and specifically at Verdant Studio is the fantastic team we have and the opportunity to engage with clients from all walks of life. I find fulfillment in collaborating with my co-workers through the creative process and satisfaction in helping clients achieve their goals for their specific built environment. -Wendy Staten
"I get great satisfaction in being in a role that I can make a small difference in someone's life and I feel that I can do that at Verdant and for my team. No day is ever the same as the previous one. While I'm not an architect, I have so much creative freedom in my role, and really enjoy the collaboration opportunities with those I work with." -Kaily Tran.
"We have an awesome team here at Verdant. We have some of the most talented and creative people. I am so lucky to get the opportunity to work with and learn from them. I love being on the forefront of one of Verdant's largest clients and being a big part of their success and Verdant's success as well." - Michele Hoover.
"One of the best things about working at Verdant is the passion you can see in every project. You can see the heart that each person has put into it. The people you get to work with everyday are amazing and it great to see how open every one is to helping each other, and no matter the project they always give it their all. Getting to work next to and learn from people who are so creative and brilliant is such a great opportunity." - Katlyn Snowden.
"Something I enjoy about the profession of architecture is the ability to interact with an environment or a community of people through designing spaces that directly affect their everyday life. We get to constantly expand our mind by adapting our thoughts and practices to suit the needs of the people and the land that surrounds them. It can easily become a tool to better understand human ways that you can celebrate by creating beautiful spaces." - Abby Critselous.
