Intersectionality in Architecture: Examining the Experiences of Women of Color in the Architecture Field

 The Challenge of Intersectionality in Architecture

Architecture is a field that has long been dominated by men, particularly white men, and the profession has historically been slow to diversify. As women have made strides in breaking into the field, another layer of complexity has emerged—intersectionality. Intersectionality is a term coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how different aspects of a person’s identity—such as gender, race, class, and sexual orientation—intersect and create unique experiences of discrimination and marginalization. In architecture, the experiences of women of color are shaped by both gender and race, leading to specific challenges and opportunities that are often overlooked in discussions about diversity and inclusion.

For women of color in architecture, intersectionality means navigating both the barriers associated with being a woman in a male-dominated field and the additional challenges of racism and racial bias. As a result, their experiences differ from those of white women or men of color, making it crucial to explore how the profession can better support women of color and address the systemic inequalities that they face.

The Underrepresentation of Women of Color in Architecture

Women of color are significantly underrepresented in the architecture profession. While there has been progress in increasing the number of women in the field overall, the numbers for women of color remain alarmingly low. According to a 2022 report by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), women of color make up only a small fraction of licensed architects in the United States. This disparity reflects broader structural inequalities in access to education, mentorship, and career opportunities.

The underrepresentation of women of color in architecture begins early in the pipeline, with fewer students of color pursuing architecture degrees. This is often due to a lack of representation in the field, limited access to resources, and systemic barriers such as economic inequality and educational disparities. For many women of color, the journey to becoming an architect is fraught with challenges that can discourage them from continuing in the profession.

Once in the workforce, women of color face additional hurdles, including racial and gender bias, unequal pay, limited opportunities for advancement, and isolation in predominantly white, male-dominated firms. These factors contribute to high rates of attrition among women of color, making it difficult for them to reach leadership positions or fully participate in shaping the future of the profession.

The Double Burden of Racism and Sexism

Women of color in architecture face a “double burden” of racism and sexism, which often manifests in the form of microaggressions, tokenism, and exclusion from key professional networks. These challenges can have a significant impact on their ability to advance in their careers and achieve recognition for their work.

Microaggressions—subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that reflect racial or gender bias—are a common experience for women of color in architecture. These can include assumptions about their competence, being mistaken for administrative staff, or being excluded from important meetings and projects. Over time, these experiences can undermine confidence and contribute to feelings of isolation and frustration.

Tokenism is another challenge, as women of color are often hired or promoted as a way for firms to appear diverse without making meaningful changes to their workplace culture. While they may be used as “proof” that a firm is committed to diversity, they are often not given the same opportunities for mentorship, leadership, or career advancement as their white or male colleagues. This lack of substantive support can leave women of color feeling marginalized and undervalued within their firms.

Moreover, women of color in architecture frequently report feeling excluded from professional networks that are crucial for career advancement. Networking plays a key role in securing new projects, building client relationships, and gaining recognition within the architectural community. However, these networks are often dominated by white men, making it difficult for women of color to break in and establish the connections they need to succeed.

Success Stories: Women of Color Who Have Shaped Architecture

Despite the many challenges they face, women of color have made significant contributions to architecture, pushing the boundaries of design and advocating for greater inclusivity within the profession. By challenging the status quo, these architects have helped pave the way for future generations of women of color in the field.

Norma Merrick Sklarek: A Pioneer in Architecture

One of the most prominent examples is Norma Merrick Sklarek, who became the first African American woman licensed to practice architecture in the United States in 1954. Sklarek went on to have an illustrious career, becoming the first African American woman to be elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and co-founding her own architectural firm, Siegel Sklarek Diamond.

Throughout her career, Sklarek faced significant challenges related to both race and gender. Yet she broke through barriers and worked on major projects, including the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the Terminal One at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Her legacy continues to inspire women of color in architecture today, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Maya Lin: Blurring Boundaries Between Art and Architecture

Maya Lin, a Chinese American architect and artist, is another example of a woman of color who has made a lasting impact on the field of architecture. Best known for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Lin’s work often explores themes of history, memory, and landscape. Her innovative approach to design challenges traditional boundaries between architecture, art, and the environment.

Lin’s experiences as an Asian American woman in architecture have influenced her work, particularly her commitment to creating spaces that reflect both individual and collective experiences. Her contributions to the field demonstrate the importance of diversity in shaping the built environment and the power of architecture to address social and cultural issues.

Gabriela Carrillo: A Leader in Sustainable and Inclusive Design

Mexican architect Gabriela Carrillo has gained international recognition for her work in sustainable architecture and her commitment to social justice. Carrillo’s designs emphasize the use of local materials, environmental sensitivity, and community involvement. In 2017, she was named Architect of the Year by Architectural Review for her work on the Criminal Courts for Oral Trials in Pátzcuaro, Mexico, a project that reimagined traditional court design to prioritize transparency, natural light, and public accessibility.

Carrillo’s work highlights how women of color in architecture are often at the forefront of efforts to create more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive spaces. By addressing both environmental and social concerns in her designs, Carrillo has become a leader in the movement for more responsible, human-centered architecture.

Addressing Intersectionality in Architecture

To create a more equitable and inclusive architecture profession, it is essential to address the specific challenges faced by women of color. This requires a commitment to tackling both gender and racial bias at every level of the profession, from architectural education to firm leadership. Firms must go beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and create meaningful opportunities for mentorship, career development, and leadership for women of color.

Education also plays a crucial role in promoting intersectionality in architecture. Architectural schools should prioritize recruiting and supporting students of color, particularly women, by providing scholarships, mentorship, and inclusive curricula that reflect the diverse histories and cultures of architecture. By fostering a more diverse student body, schools can help to create a pipeline of women of color who are equipped to succeed in the profession.

Finally, professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) must continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the profession, while also highlighting the contributions of women of color through awards, recognition, and leadership opportunities. By elevating the voices and work of women of color, the architecture profession can become more representative of the communities it serves.

Conclusion

The experiences of women of color in architecture are shaped by the intersection of race and gender, creating unique challenges that require thoughtful, systemic solutions. Despite these challenges, women of color have made significant contributions to the field of architecture, often leading the way in areas such as sustainability, social justice, and inclusive design. By addressing the barriers that women of color face and promoting intersectionality within the profession, the field of architecture can become more diverse, equitable, and innovative, ultimately benefiting the entire built environment.

Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of AI. Please verify important facts and information from reliable sources.