Cristina
Lanz-Azcarte
London and South East Chair for National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) UK & Ireland and Co-Founder/Director of Atelier EURA
Cristina is a Director and co-founder of Atelier EURA, a design studio which focuses on the added value that design brings to daily life. A Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), she is committed to supporting diversity in the industry. She does so from her positions as London and South East Chair for the NAWIC and Mentor at the Fluid Diversity Mentoring Program the pan-professional programme by RIBA, CIC, AFC and SLT.
Most professional teams have women, most medium/large sites have separate welfare facilities, I no longer hear or see inappropriate comments or images when visiting site and contractors are now obliged to respect the neighbouring area or suffer hefty penalties.
What challenges do women face getting into this industry?
There is a lack of visible role models as indicators of career development paths and potential. Most people do not want to be pioneers, and entering an industry where nobody looks like you requires determination and clarity. The lack of visible female leadership signals a clear message: there is no room for growth and development. (This is not the case.)
What needs to change?
There is a lack of access to relevant insight in regard to the many opportunities our industry has to offer. Schools, more often than not, do not engage girls in relevant discussions and direct them towards industries which may have been historically female or are saturated. Yet we know that early engagement of girls in schools is vital.
Any Advice for Women in Male Dominated Industries?
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. There are many routes to get you to where you want to go and people who will help you. Get yourself a mentor who can help you navigate through your career and a mentee you can guide. Join a group or association within the industry and start building your network. The journey is long and you will need companions.
Women in construction are 14% of the UK industry, but they are a very generous bunch.