Ar. Sheila Sri Prakash, Founder and Chief Architect, Shilpa Architects Planners Designers, has been featured in the “Role of Women in The Profession of Architecture” Journal by the International Multidisciplinary Research Foundation (IMRF).

The journal talks about the trials and tribulations women face in the field of architecture. It also speaks of those women who have risen against the odds and made a mark for themselves in this male dominated profession.

A statistic in the journal reveals that women constitute 40% of architectural graduates in the western world but not more than 12% of them practice architecture or are licensed architects.

The main reason for this disparity is the fact that women are not taken seriously in this field. The idea that architecture is associated with something more ‘macho’ doesn’t fit, in the eyes of many, to the stereotypical feminine side of women. Thus women generally get sidelined and there’s unequal pay, demotivating many aspiring women architects.

Also, it is taken for granted by society that the responsibility of the family falls on women, so it is likely that she would have to take breaks which would affect her career. Long working hours, lack of flexibility and stressful working conditions are some reasons why women leave this profession and opt for alternate careers.

However, there are some architects who have managed to overcome all these obstacles and emerge successful. For instance, Zaha Hadid, known for her use of complex technology and  Kazuyo Sejima, known for her subtle and minimal buildings are the only two women who have won the Pritzker Prize, an award conferred to honor an architect.

Our Founder and Chief Architect, Ms.Sheila Sriprakash has been recognized  in the section 4 of the journal under the section, “TEN TALENTED WOMEN ARCHITECTS” and sub section “Indian Context” (Pg. 311)

The journal mentions :

“Sheila Sri Prakash (b. 1955) the first woman in India to have started her own architectural firm.” 

Other honorable architects from India mentioned are Ranjini Kalappa, Perin Jamsetjee Mistri, Brinda Somaya and Revathi Kamath.

To all the aspiring women architects out there, Never Give Up!

PDF of the journal available here (ISBN: 978-93-81583-98-2)

Source: http://www.imrfjournals.in/pdf/MATHS/HRIRJ-VOLUME-1-ISSUE-1-2013/48.pdf