The Future is Female

When I graduated from architecture school in 1996, half of my class was female—a statistic that likely held true for many of you then, and still today. I was fortunate to have female professors with impressive careers, so when I arrived in Philadelphia, I was eager to start my career. My first project at BCJ was led by the talented and effervescent Kelly Vresilovic, AIA. Rachel Schade, AIA, served as my IDP mentor (back when that was still a thing). Both of them were cheerleaders and advocates for me then—and still are today. The late 1990s in Philadelphia were booming, and my foundation as an architect was strong. The future looked female.

For the profession, the 1990s marked the beginning of a wave of leadership and recognition for women architects, but the journey was far from easy. For all the progress we saw, resistance was still prevalent. For example, despite her immense contributions to architecture and planning, Denise Scott Brown, Hon. FAIA, was notably snubbed for the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1991, which was awarded only to Robert Venturi, FAIA. That stark exclusion was a reflection of the larger systemic challenges women faced, despite their immense talent and influence.

Looking at AIA Philadelphia’s rich 156-year history, the Chapter had its own share of pioneering women in architecture, but it took time for change to take root. It wasn’t until 1994 that Daniela Voith, FAIA, became the first female president of the Chapter. Since then, only seven women presidents have followed in her footsteps thus far. Nationally in 1992, however, Philadelphia’s own Susan Maxman, FAIA, was a trailblazer by becoming the first woman to serve as the national president of the American Institute of Architects.

Fast forward to the 2020s, and the road ahead holds incredible promise for women in architecture in Philadelphia. Recently, two women-led firms won the prestigious Philadelphia Emerging Architect (PEA) Prize: Lauren Thomsen Design in 2021 and FIFTEEN architecture + design in 2023. And in 2024, the JADE (Justice Alliance in Design Education) Fellowship selected five highly deserving and qualified young women of color, offering them opportunities for leadership and professional development. This collaborative cohort is a testament to the next generation’s commitment to supporting one another and effecting change.

So, what do the numbers say today?

As of today, AIA Philadelphia has around 1,600 members, and 440 of them are women—roughly 25%, which mirrors the national trend for registered women architects. But when we look at the number of women-owned architecture firms versus male-owned firms within our Chapter, the disparity becomes clear. There are only about a dozen women-owned firms, with a few more if you include sole practitioners. We’ve made progress, but we still have a long way to go.

What does the future hold? Today, we see more and more women stepping into leadership positions in Philadelphia and beyond, ensuring that the next generation of architects has mentors, champions, and leaders to look up to.

The future of architecture in Philadelphia—and Pennsylvania—is undeniably female. Architect Jamie Ober, AIA, an owner of Lenhardt Rodgers Architecture + Interior, is currently serving as the President of AIA Pennsylvania. She has been an ardent advocate for women in leadership, creating the Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship Program in 2021 to support women’s attendance at this pivotal annual gathering. And in 2026, Elysia Mikkelsen, AIA, will follow her as the next AIA Pennsylvania President.

Next year in Philadelphia, Katie Broh, AIA, a partner at the women-owned MGA Partners, will step into the role of Chapter President in 2026, marking a significant moment in our city and country’s history. The women I’ve mentioned—and so many others—are committed to fostering collaborative and supportive leadership while creating opportunities for all. I am in awe of their accomplishments, and I am so grateful for their contributions. 

The future of architecture is undeniably female. Together, we can continue to build a profession that not only acknowledges the contributions of women but also paves the way for future leaders to thrive.

(Image: Toasting AIA’s present and future with Presidents Danielle DiLeo Kim and Jamie Ober and President-elect Katie Broh.)