Executive Summary
December 2023
The Women in Ownership/Partnership in Architecture and Design toolkit, developed by the Champions of Change Architecture Group, aims to assist architectural practices to develop and adopt a more equitable system of ownership within their practice.
The toolkit is based on survey and interview-based research and outlines key recommendations and considerations when developing or implementing ownership structures, agreements, processes and policies.
Increasing the representation of women in the ownership of Australian architecture and design firms is crucial for addressing gender equity in the profession. Benefits will include cultural transformation, fair distribution of rewards and recognition, enhanced business performance and retention of talented women.
Overall representation of women in many architectural firms is approaching 50% and commendable efforts have been made to address inequalities and increase the representation of women at senior levels. However, there is still a substantial disparity when it comes to women’s representation in firm ownership and partnership groups.
This toolkit identifies many issues that appear to be barriers for women to progress to ownership. Recommendations encourage leadership team engagement and transparency about governance, ownership and the process of becoming an owner or partner.
