Celebrating Women's History Month: Women in the aec industry
Architecture is a profession known for creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and influence. It's a field that requires immense dedication and constant learning. Women in the architecture industry face a unique set of challenges that are, unfortunately, often overlooked. Even as the number of women in the industry grows, many of these hurdles are still being faced daily. As we celebrate Women's History Month here at KSA, we wanted to use the opportunity to shine a light on some of the issues women face in our industry and celebrate the amazing ladies that we get to work with every day!
One of the most important questions we asked our KSA ladies as we celebrate Women’s History Month this year was, ‘who is your biggest female role model?’ Perhaps unsurprisingly, none of our answers were women in the AEC industry. There’s an unfortunate lack of female role models, even as more and more women are entering the field. This is further proof that architecture needs more women to stand up and be icons for other young architects and designers to look up to! One woman who is stepping up to this challenge is Jeanne Gang, a renowned architect known for her architectural firm, Studio Gang, and their work on several famous buildings in Chicago.
Check out the answers from our interviews below to see some of our other honorable mentions, like Dolly Parton, Michelle Obama, and Oprah WINFREY! Can you guess which KSA lady picked Dolly?
The Association for Women in Architecture + Design (AWA+D) is one of the most well-known professional organizations that advocates for women in the architecture and design industries. AWA+D’s mission is to “advance and support women in the allied fields of architecture and design. We encourage and foster high levels of achievement by providing educational programming, mentoring, and illuminating career opportunities for students and professionals in these fields.” Another great professional organization making waves in the AEC industry is The Organization of Women Architects + Design Professionals (OWA+DP). Having access to professional organizations like these is just one of the ways women are working to provide for each other and support one another in our field and beyond.
As women continue to enforce their place in the world of architecture, many struggles are still being faced every day. Gender bias, lack of mentorship, and difficulties maintaining a healthy work-life balance are just a few of the hurdles we, as women, must overcome in the AEC career industry. Navigating these challenges on a regular basis is what motivates us women at KSA to place particular importance on supporting one another.
Meet the Ladies of KSA!
MARY JENKINS-KLINE
Interior Designer
50 years in the AEC Industry
JENA KLOOS
Marketing Coordinator
6 years in the AEC Industry
APRIL MILLER
Office & Accounting Manager
25 years in the AEC Industry
MAUREEN HITTLE
Associate Interior Designer
2 years in the AEC Industry
ANNA PALUMBO
Interior Designer
15 years in the AEC Industry
LYNNLEE GOODMAN
Architect Intern
Majoring in AEC Industry
What is your Background?
“Native Nashvillian, I attended the University of TN extension school and O'More College of Design in Franklin, TN. I was lucky to be one of Mrs. O'More’s last students. She took me under her wing as a teacher and friend.”
- Mary Kline-Jenkins
“Originally from Minnesota, I attended South Dakota State University and received my Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. After graduating, I decided I wanted to try something new, so I packed up and moved to Nashville without a job! My first full-time job was with a Nashville Architecture/Engineering Firm.”
- Jena Kloos
What made you go into the AEC industry?
“My father built houses for a living, and I was always in his wood shop playing around. I am a very artistic and creative person. I have always been drawn to creating more in the 3D realm than the 2D. All of that leads to the interior space and using my artistic background to do design.”
- Anna Palumbo
“Growing up around construction, I always had a fascination for architecture, helping my dad in the shop since he owned a welding business. Architecture felt like the right choice for my major. ”
- Lynnlee Page
What is your favorite thing about KSA?
"My favorite thing about KSA is that we are a small firm, and employees get to wear several hats, interact with staff more often and are afforded a view of company-wide operations. Because you wear many hats, you'll likely gain knowledge and insight beyond your role."
- April Miller
“They believe in having a fun work culture; whether celebrating birthdays or going on work outings like kayaking, they always have something fun planned. Also, the Partners are very supportive and always say they appreciate me and my work.”
- Jena Kloos
What challenges have you faced in your job or the AEC industry?
“One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my short time in the AEC industry has been my age, and being equated with a lack of expertise and/or experience. While I do understand that I have much to learn in the field, it can still be somewhat disheartening.”
- Maureen Hittle
“A big challenge I have faced is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator and people understanding the difference between the two.”
- Anna Palumbo
Who is your biggest female role model?
“Dolly Parton. She stands up for her beliefs and doesn’t care what others think of her. Very humble. Also, all that she’s doing for the world! Her Imagination Library gave over 199 Million free books as of January 2023 to children, all the money she put into research for the COVID vaccine, and donated to children’s hospitals in Nashville. Basically, an angel here on earth.”
- Jena Kloos
"Oprah is my biggest role model because she struggled in her early years and didn’t make it until she was in her 40's. She is a good role model for someone hitting her stride later in life, and I can relate to her journey in my own career.”
- Anna Palumbo
If you could say one encouraging piece of advice to a young woman entering the workforce, what would it be?
“Be Confident. Once you believe in yourself, others will believe in you, too.”
- April Miller
“Never let the opportunity to learn something new pass you by. In an office like ours, there’s always something happening that you can learn from.”
- Maureen Hittle