March 8, 2019 is International Women’s Day.
A vibrant, inclusive, and active membership is beneficial to everyone. The AIBC is committed to fostering competent, professional, diverse and engaged registrants who continue to meet the evolving needs of the public and public policy. It is important that the diversity of AIBC registrants is representative of the public they serve.
The Architectural Profession in B.C. Today
Over 2018, we saw an increase in the proportion of women registered as architects in the province, leading to more balanced gender representation in the profession.
This is particularly evident in the under 40 category, and amongst new registrants. As of December 31, 2018, women represented a third of newly registered architects with the AIBC. In addition, more than 40 percent of those seeking registration in British Columbia through the Internship in Architecture Program were women.
These statistics show a positive trend in the architectural profession. Architects are leaders in shaping the built environment, and a vibrant and active membership will both strengthen the profession and add value to society.
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
The AIBC recognizes individuals who have made positive impacts to the architectural profession and community – the Institute was delighted to award one such outstanding female architect as part of the most recent AIBC Recognition Ceremony, which took place in November 2018.
Eva Matsuzaki, Honorary Member of the AIBC, received the prestigious AIBC Lifetime Achievement Award. Eva contributed significantly to both her community and the profession – involved in many influential projects, she was also a founding member of Women in Architecture, and the first female president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Eva shared her thoughts on her career and accomplishments for the ceremony in her own words.
For more information on the program and how to recognize an architect who has made an exceptional, sustained and significant contribution to the profession of architecture in the province, please visit the AIBC website.
Happy International Women’s Day!