Siri Zanelli has been shortlisted in the Inspiring Women in Property Awards

Siri takes her role as a female leader of a small architecture practice – and by default also as a role model, informal mentor and ally – seriously. It is for this role that she has been nominated, and shortlisted, in the Inspiring Women in Property Awards. She is shortlisted in the ‘Woman of the Year – Residential’ category.

76% of Architecture Practices are fewer than 10 people and only 19% of principals are women. Without the resources of the big practices, she has recognised that the best way to enact change is by example. Over the past decade, she has ensured, along with her fellow partners, that her own studio is set up to enable equality for both men and women.

Leading by example

By being the change, Siri aims to inspire other small practices to follow suit and increase the percentage of women in leadership roles.

Her own company is structured to promote equality, flexible working and better work-life integration. Her business-wide approach to inclusion will, she says, ultimately benefit everyone.

Collective Works aims to employ a minimum of 40% female staff. Currently, the ratio is 5:4 men to women. They actively seek out consultants from underrepresented groups. “The more closely our team reflects the society we wish to serve, the more effectively we’ll be able to work with a broad range of clients and stakeholders.”

The practice is ‘remote first’, giving all employees the flexibility to regularly adapt work around childcare, parental care, education and advocacy. It is the experience and skill, as well as commitment to the business, aspirations for beautiful and responsible design, the projects and the clients that is important – not the hours. Flexible working kills presenteeism and opens the door to better work-life integration. At Partner level, all pay is equal, and across the business the ratio between the lowest paid and the highest paid is 3:1.

Collective Works is part of the Paradigm Network, and Siri speaks up regularly on gender inequity and diversity within the profession in support of organisations including Part W, The Just Transition Lobby, Unheard Voice and others.

Peer, collaborator and former colleague Tara Gbolade said this: “Siri Zanelli continues to inspire many architects like myself through her collaborative approach to sharing best practice ideas both through design and working alongside others. She demonstrates leadership through her radical transparency – of particular inspiration is her live site tours of projects in construction – which I have always drawn motivation from. Siri’s zest for life encourages many of us to remain authentic in our pursuit of high quality architecture and sustainable design while remaining centred – and she truly deserves to win this award.”

Inspiring women to dare to be better

She has talked at a number of events– including RIBA’s Guerilla Tactics, and Women in Architecture , how to structure a business that supports equality and inclusion. She is a regular attendee of networking and business events, sharing experience and support with women from across the industry. In a recent article about International Women’s Day, published in Building Design Magazine, she called on other women to ‘dare to be better and louder than those that championed you on your journey to where you are today.’

Siri is a true ally and advocate for equality within the architecture profession and the wider industry, following her belief that inclusion will benefit everyone. Perhaps one day there will be no need to have separate awards for women in property.

The winners of the Inspiring Women in Property Awards will be announced on 8 October