BM3: Women in Practice
At BM3, we are proud to be making a difference. Women make up 45% of our staff, well above industry averages, and hold 27% of management positions. While we celebrate this progress in an industry where such figures are still uncommon, we remain committed to empowering women to reach their full potential every day.
We were proud to host the first Women in Practice event at BM3. This internal network has been established to provide a dedicated space for regular opportunities that foster support, celebrate achievements, and create room for meaningful conversations around the experiences and challenges faced by women in architecture. Through this network, BM3 intend to play their part in actively supporting positive change and progress for women.
To open the event, Charlotte Barnes delivered a presentation across both offices, sharing key statistics and industry research around women in architecture. Insights from a recent internal survey, captured experiences and feedback from colleagues across BM3, and set out understanding and priorities to help shape the future of the BM3: Women in Practice network.
The second part of the session focused on personal experiences, with Viktoriya Stoyanova in Birmingham and Monica Bertoncelli Tanaka and Leena Gupta in London sharing their individual journeys. These stories celebrated achievements, offered honest reflections on challenges, and highlighted the importance of support systems and the people around us. The willingness to share so openly is what made these conversations truly meaningful, sparking genuine engagement and connection across the room, and we're particularly grateful for it as the network begins to take shape.
It was encouraging to see such a strong turnout at the event, with colleagues from all levels and backgrounds coming together in support of the initiative. The presence of the people in the room and the diversity of thoughts and perspectives shared during the discussions, set a positive and inclusive tone for the future.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. We look forward to continuing the conversation, raising awareness, and most importantly building meaningful support to help all colleagues thrive and progress in their careers.
In addition, in honour of #IWD26, we have joined initiatives such as the Birmingham Architectural Association & RIBA West Midlands Region 'Celebrating Women in Architecture Exhibition' and the ‘Pregnant Then VE’d' 4x4 Debate. Our corporate WISH (Women In Social Housing) membership further highlights our ongoing commitment.
When we create a culture of giving, we invest in ideas, potential and futures. The benefits extend beyond women, strengthening organisations and enriching the communities where we all live and work.
BM3: Women in Practice Steering Group - Charlotte Barnes Eleni Kantidaki Jessica Humphrey James Boulter