Part one by Director Jay Morton
International Women’s Day has existed since 1911 but in recent years, its presence has grown—partly thanks to social media. Last week, organisations across industries have posted about their female staff, praising their contributions. Many of these efforts, however, will be little more than a PR exercise, quickly forgotten when business resumes as usual the following week.
The construction industry has changed significantly over the past few decades, yet we still have a long way to go. In architecture, just 31% of Architects are women, and only 12% are non-white. At Bell Phillips, we intentionally have a more inclusive practice. We believe we are service providers for the community and hence we should represent the communities we serve. Our team is 48% female and 52% male. But this year, like every other, we will appear alongside firms that remain less diverse—firms that will still rally around for the annual virtue-signalling display.
But beyond the percentages, what are the real experiences of men and women in this industry? Architecture does not exist in isolation. As lead consultants, we work within the wider construction sector—engaging with project managers, engineers, planners, technical consultants, clients, and contractors. Yet, as of 2023, only 15.8% of the UK construction workforce was female, according to the Office for National Statistics. The reality of the imbalance becomes obvious in many design team meetings, particularly at construction stage, where you can often be the only female around the table.
This discussion is particularly timely as Melissa Dowler and I head to MIPIM—a conference that has improved but will still be a sea of men.
It is clear that the industry as a whole still has a long way to go. Equality isn’t just about numbers it’s about culture. A workplace where everyone can thrive isn’t built on token gestures but on real, systemic change. That means embracing flexible working that recognises caring responsibilities belong to everyone, not just women. It means acknowledging the rising cost of living and ensuring work practices don’t turn architecture into a profession reserved for the privileged few who can afford to live near city centres. And it means calling out discrimination when we see it, holding our peers accountable, and demanding better from the teams we work with.
So, following this year’s International Women’s Day, let’s do more than post well-meaning platitudes. Let’s push for workplaces—and an industry—that doesn’t just invite women in but ensures they can stay, lead, and succeed.
This year, instead of simply showcasing the women in our team, we’ve asked two of our staff members—one male and one female—to reflect on their experiences over the past 15 years. And ask how much has changed in the construction industry?
