Career building: women and non‐standard employment in architecture

Abstract

Non‐standard working arrangements are traditionally associated with insecure employment and thus said to act as a constraint on women architects' careers. The working patterns of 37 women architects have been examined using a career life history approach and findings indicate that to follow non‐standard working patterns in professional employment need not necessarily serve to constrain and may even enhance women's career development. Many of the women architects following non‐standard forms of employment find that it has been beneficial to their career. The recurring theme from these interviews was the need to be able to follow a career but on certain terms. The time commitment required prior to qualification provides a strong motivation to continue working throughout their working lives.

Keywords:

• Women
• architecture
• career