For the past few weeks, and in honour of Women’s History month, blOAAg has shared some of the stories of the first female architects in Ontario. We have also shared the latest statistics of where we are today regarding gender equality within the profession. It is clear that while big advances have been made since the days of the first female architects in the province, we are still far from achieving gender equality within the profession in Ontario. In today’s post we want to want to highlight a Toronto based initiative which is looking to do something about this. Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT), is a new independent initiative which is dedicated to promoting equality in the profession of architecture through advocacy, mentorship, networking and promotion. Learn more about them and how to get involved in this special post of “Women in Architecture – Ontario.”

In honor of Women’s History month, we are pleased to announce the launch of BEAT!

Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT) is a new independent initiative launched in 2015 under the leadership of Shirley Blumberg, founding partner of KPMB Architects.  BEAT is dedicated to the promotion of equality in the profession of Architecture through advocacy, mentorship, networking and promotion. BEAT works towards increasing visibility and maintaining an open dialogue of relevant issues affecting our profession.

Did you know:

In Canada, 50% of graduates of Master’s in architecture programs are women, however women only hold 25% of the jobs in this occupation.

In the U.S., only 17% of AIA members are women, and only 1 in 4 guest lecturers at architecture schools are women.

The inaugural BEAT dinner series is a bi-monthly dinner with access to sensational food and stimulating conversation. BEAT believes that every conversation counts and works to create inviting contexts that foster open dialogue. Each BEAT dinner is hosted at a remarkable Toronto restaurant showcasing innovative design. A highlight of this event is that a different VIP guest of honour will be invited to each dinner. The name of the guest of honour, location, and price of the dinner will be advertised to the members of the BEAT. Tickets will be sold on a first come basis and capped at 12 diners/evening.

Join us and our guest of honour architect Heather Dubbeldam at Byblos Restaurant on November 5th for the first BEAT dinner! 

Heather Dubbeldam is the principal of DUBBELDAM Architecture + Design, a multi-disciplinary design studio recognized as one of the leading young practices in Toronto. The studio has received numerous awards for both design and practice, and wide recognition in national and international publications. In addition to managing a full-time practice, Heather is active as a leader and advocate for the profession. She is the Vice Chair of the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC), the past Chair of the Toronto Society of Architects, and Co-Director of Twenty + Change, a national organization dedicated to exposing the work of emerging Canadian architects. She is the co-editor and co-author of several architecture and design publications, and regularly makes time to mentor architecture interns. 

To receive more information and reserve your seat visit www.beatoronto.com. Tickets will be available on a first come first serve basis.

Visit us at beatoronto.com to join our mailing list and stay informed about future BEAT events, including our upcoming panel discussion in 2016 featuring acclaimed female architects from Toronto and abroad.