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I think it's fantastic news that Zaha Hadid has won this prestigious award - the news has been reported in much of the press - and raises the profile of women architects significantly, both within and outside the architectural profession.

The only (little) downside, is that it's Zaha again ... I know there are other women being celebrated by the Jane Drew Prize (Eva Jiricna) and the AJ (Alison Brooks) this year, but in the wider world, Zaha remains the only visible example of a woman architect. And she is exceptional in many ways.

One exception must be the size of her business.

The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year award, limits eligibility to growing businesses with a turnover of over £3 Million.

Not many architects, including men architects, run a business this big. According to the AJ100 data, only about 80 practices earn more than £3 Million. With Norman Foster being the only architect to make the Sunday Times Rich List, the other story is why are so few architects able to grow large successful businesses?

With increased polarisation between large and small practices, the challenge for all architects is how to build sustainable businesses which contribute to the economy. For women inspired by Zaha's success, there is perhaps an opportunity to take the lead.