Throughout Women’s History Month in March, LRS used our social media platforms to share reflections from across our team about what it means to them to be part of a majority-women owned firm in an industry in which women have been historically underrepresented. As always, our staff’s thoughtful, poignant words and their deep appreciation for the women leaders, mentors, and colleagues who have shaped their careers left us feeling hopeful about the future of our industry. Below, we have shared some of the meaningful remarks from our staff – inspiring us to keep up the momentum and continue doing what we do best.

 

 

As a majority women-owned firm, what does it mean to you personally to work in an environment where women are leading and shaping the direction of our projects and initiatives?

 

“I feel so empowered and excited to work in a firm that continues to break barriers and create opportunities, celebrating and uplifting women’s achievements and potential everyday.”

– Mary Fierros Bower

 

“The architecture community for a long time was male dominated and I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that is majority women owned as women bring a valuable and different approach to management, design and client collaboration.”

– Amalia Mohr

 

“Having women leadership is both inspirational and humbling! Whether it’s a project manager, a senior interior designer or a principal, there are women around me setting the bar, raising the bar, and then showing me how to get there.”

– Shirley Bircher

 

“I’m proud to work for a women owned firm but more importantly to me, that label means we are taking key steps to be forward thinking and not stuck in old practices of the past that will become more and more irrelevant. It means more effort is being put in to ensure a mix of perspectives and experiences are contributing to the leadership of our firm, which gives me confidence in our work.”

– Forrest Perkins

 

 

 

Can you share a moment where you felt empowered or supported by a women colleague at LRS? How did their mentorship or collaboration impact your professional growth or the outcome of the project?

 

“I have always felt empowered by Michelle Startt. She has consistently proved that she trusts me, allowing me to manage my projects in my own way, and without so much oversight that I feel stifled. This has made me a stronger, more consistent, and more reliable employee because I have been empowered to take full responsibility for everything I do here at LRS.”

– Stacy Bengtson

 

“Both Calista and Amalia have supported me very well. Both in personal issues (allowing for time to sort them out) and guidance and encouragement for work/life balance.”

– Nathan Monger

 

“Every time I talk to Trish, I feel supported. I like her no-nonsense approach to obstacles; she doesn’t get bogged down in the weeds.”

– Nancy Dodge

 

“I feel empowered and supported often at LRS. I love it, that the female principals at LRS are not afraid to give their support and to show their appreciation for a job well done and they do it often. My most recent project wins could not have happened without their mentorship, collaboration, and support. This has had an incredible impact on my professional growth and outcome of several projects!”

– Mary Fierros Bower

 

 

Reflecting on your experiences here, how do you feel our firm fosters an inclusive environment that vales and amplifies the contributions of women in architecture and design?

 

“I started in this Industry when being a woman in architecture wasn’t common, and their were few role models. LRS has always supported me on my journey as I have navigated my personal and professional life, and empowered me to take on the role I currently hold. I have always felt LRS to be a very inclusive environment that values the contributions of all its team members. I believe that there is a path for everyone at LRS who engages to live to their full professional potential, and many women in leadership positions leading by example.”

– Amy Hjelte

 

“I think LRS is very inclusionary of not only women, but everyone. It’s great to be in a diverse workforce where your opinions aren’t judged based on physical appearances.”

– Anonymous

 

 

In what ways do you think our firm can continue to champion gender equality and diversity, both within our team and in the broader architectural community, beyond Women’s History Month?

 

“I believe we can lean into more listening and understanding of everyone’s perspectives and what they bring to the table. Everyone is shaped by their beliefs and their backgrounds and we need to learn more about them and celebrate them.”

–  Amalia Mohr

 

“The firm can continue to break barriers that create opportunities and equality for women in its workplace.”

–  Mary Fierros Bower