Architecture is well-known for being a male-dominated field. However, a new kind of architect is rising through the ranks in search of community and support rather than competition. Joann Lui is one of these architects, and she is doing great work to help women in the field thrive. As an associate at Gensler, a large architecture firm in New York, Joann has over eight years of experience. Along with this, she is the Founder of the Women Architects Collective, an online community dedicated to supporting and encouraging women architects. In this episode, we learn about Joann’s journey to becoming an architect, which started with her moving to the US at just 16. We then turn our attention to what it means to be a ‘woman architect.’ While Joann used to want to just be called an ‘architect,’ she recognizes the importance of creating spaces where younger women are inspired by those ahead of them. From there, we talk about some of the challenges that women in architecture face at job sites and in the role generally. Joann’s advice is that you have to find that balance of being assertive while remaining true to yourself. We round show off by learning more about the Women Architects Collective, along with the importance of personal branding and some of the work Joann has done in that space. Tune in today!
Sn. 1, #6 Being a Woman Architect and Building Your Personal Brand with Joann Lui
Emily Soloby
Emily received her BA in Women’s Studies and JD from Temple University. Early on, she worked as a legal advocate for women in domestic violence cases. After practicing law, Emily began working on the business side of things. She is the co-owner of AAA School of Trucking, a truck and heavy equipment safety training firm, which she has spent the last 10 years growing into a thriving national business through government and military contracting and corporate partnerships.
As an executive in the transportation industry, darting from client meeting to trucking range required safety boots that met her style standards, and when she couldn’t find them anywhere, she created Juno Jones Shoes. Emily trained in shoemaking in Cuernavaca, Mexico and at the Brooklyn Shoe Space, and assembled a powerhouse team of designers, consultants, and industry experts to bring Juno Jones to life. Through Juno Jones Shoes, Emily is fulfilling her dream of not only providing women with safe, stylish footwear options for their jobs but of helping to normalize and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
For more information go to junojonesshoes.com.