You Don't Look Like You Could Represent the Firm

The Turbulent Journey of an Accomplished Architect

This episode of Redlines tells the story of Natasha (a pseudonym), an architect with over 14 years of experience who faced discrimination and career roadblocks at the hands of her employer. Despite her expertise and external recognition, Natasha was excluded from opportunities and advancement.

Three major incidents:

• Natasha was invited to speak at a prestigious conference about her work in computational design.
• Her firm and professor plagiarized her work when she had the chance to pursue a PhD with a prominent university.
• Even after 14 years as an architect, Natasha faced more roadblocks when applying for promotion to senior architect.

Key Takeaways:

• Talented employees can face resentment and exclusion when their skills outshine others, especially when they don't fit expected demographic norms.
• Firms may prioritize maintaining power dynamics over equitable advancement, even at the expense of utilizing talent.
• Academia is not immune to unethical behavior when prestige and connections are at stake.
• Persist in developing your skills and pursuing your passion, even if your current environment doesn't value you.

Quotes:

“At the end I felt that because they had blocked my career, I can't do the work I enjoy the most and I also can't further develop."

Relevant Links:

• Out of Architecture website: https://www.outofarchitecture.com
• Information on becoming an Out of Architecture Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/outofarchitecture

If you have resources to share that you think may be helpful to what was discussed in this episode, please email us at: [email protected]