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I am pleased that BD is joining the AJ in the campaign to support women in architecture.

Research has consistently demonstrated that mixed teams, of men and women, perform better than single sex teams. This means that architectural practices with men and women management teams will be more successful than those run by men on their own. I am still astounded by the number of medium and large architectural practices in the UK with all male directors and partners. The decision not to promote and retain women in senior management is not only bad business sense but is beginning to look antiquated.

There is a lot of talk about the statistical evidence in terms of numbers of women compared with men - but I am also looking for action. Therefore, I have started planning a mentoring programme for women architects and will be looking for UK practices, as well as the architectural press, to support this initiative in the New Year.