To celebrate International Women's Day the Proctor and Matthews team describe women working within the architecture and design industry who have inspired them...

Catherine Tucknutt, Architect

Lu Wenyu, of Amateur Architecture Studio and her natural sense of creativity is an inspiration. Designing in the vernacular context of Chinese hill towns, the buildings are a fascinating challenge to mass architecture, bringing together cultural research and careful craftsmanship, with an exciting experience of the everyday.

Tumpa Husna Yasmin Fellows, Architect

Professor Christine Hawley has inspired me through some of the years I spent studying architecture and she continues to do so by encouraging and supporting me with the Rajapur Women’s Literacy and Healthcare Centre. She has dedicated many years contributing to teaching and recently has been awarded the 2016 RIBA Annie Spink Award for excellence in architectural education. She was the dean of the Bartlett and also ran an architectural practice called Cook and Hawley Architects with Peter Cook.

Parniyan Salari, Architectural Assistant

I’m inspired by Kazuyo Sejima, one of the two founding Directors of Japanese architectural practice SANAA. The extensive use of glass in her work reflects a sense of doubt and ambiguity, creating complex buildings with blurred boundaries and layers of spaces.

Cristina Carcanescu, Architectural Assistant

Architect and MIT Media Lab professor Neri Oxman is particularly inspirational to me for her work at the forefront of digital fabrication. Her challenging use of materials and innovative manufacturing techniques prove that architecture is a holistic profession.

Noelia Portugal, Architect

Carme Pigem, founder of RCR Arquitectes and recipient of the 2017 Pritzker Prize is a woman in architecture who has inspired me. Whilst working at her practice in Olot, Spain I was influenced by her ability to develop concepts into sensitive and beautiful minimalist spaces, through careful consideration of the site. 

Camille Fatier, Architectural Assistant

It sounds like a classic but if I have to pick one woman who has inspired me it would be Lina Bo Bardi. I admire her architecture and her professional path. I generally respect architects whose work portrays social and humanist convictions (even idealistic ones) and I think she is one of them.