During this second year of "Women in Architecture – Ontario (part 2)" we would like to share stories and experiences of women who are at different stages of their careers and from diverse cultural, education, and professional backgrounds. We started our special blOAAg series on “Women in Architecture - Ontario” last year with the aim of recognizing the contributions of women, past and present, to Ontario’s built environment and the architectural profession. In continuing the acknowledgement of women in the profession of architecture, and the commemoration of Women’s History Month of October we have decided to continue the series for a second year.
Today’s post is a Q&A with Toronto based architect,
Charisma Panchapakesan, Principal at
CAB Architects. CAB Architects is the studio Charisma runs with Brian Hagood, where they are dedicated to creating uncontrived spaces for people to live and work in, surrounded by things that they like, and that make them feel comfortable.
1) Why the field of architecture?
Architecture is a field of creative problem solving, which appeals to creative and analytical people. But more than that, architecture is about empathy: understanding the needs of the client, the demands of the site, and bringing beauty and cohesion to our designs. Realizing this over the time I have practiced has strengthened my desire to participate in the field.
2) Can you tell us a bit about: your educational, cultural, and professional background (how did you begin your career...)?
I completed my architectural degrees at University of Waterloo. Through their co-op program I found myself gravitating towards multidisciplinary offices–ones that focused on art installations, research, and graphics, alongside of architecture. Upon graduation, I moved to New York City, where my focus shifted to single family residential projects. I came to love the personal nature of the work, helping to make projects a reflection of my client’s personalities as much as an opportunity to share my own point of view. It was in there that I began developing my own artwork, finding ways to integrate it with architectural projects.
Soon after returning to Toronto, my husband and I formed our own practice, CAB Architects, which focuses on residential design and visual art. Our first project in the city was a total renovation of our home in Roncesvalles. From our own experience with residential clients, we knew that we wanted our home to reflect our personalities and histories. As I am originally from India, and my husband is from Texas, we have infused our home with built elements and artwork that remind us both of our roots.
Ritchie Row House (Gut renovation)
3) From our recent data collection, female architects only make up 25.7% of architects in Ontario. As a female architect licensed in Ontario what do you think was the biggest challenge for you towards your path to licensure, and afterwards as a practicing architect?
I think the gap between women and men in architecture is largely a generational one. Based on my experience in school and what I hear from those teaching, architecture is increasingly a multi-gender pursuit. My path to licensure didn’t feel hindered by gender, though challenges remain in the field for complete gender equality.
As a practicing architect there are certainly gender biases that I face. The construction field continues to be dominated by men, though I feel the presence of women architects is increasingly accepted at job sites. In my particular practice, a big challenge I face is communicating the value I bring as an architect as opposed to other less-regulated designers who are allowed to provide similar services. It is my hope that the OAA will pursue ways to increase the value architects can offer, perhaps by advocating programs for self-certifying permit applications and building inspections for limited scope projects, as they do in New York City.
4) Your thoughts on cultural diversity within the profession of Architecture?
I am lucky to be practicing in Toronto, a city that embraces and celebrates cultural diversity. It has become a defining core value for our community and should necessarily be reflected in the built environment. In my own work, I believe that spaces should reflect the people that occupy them. This is why I focus on artistic interventions within my architectural projects. I want the end result to reflect the uniqueness of each client.
Ritchie Row House (Gut renovation)
5) What do you see as the biggest challenges in the coming years for architecture (and women in architecture)?
Particularly with home building and renovation, there is a lack of understanding between the intersection of design and construction, especially in terms of roles and responsibilities. We need to find better ways of establishing a trusting relationship between client, architect, and contractor. Confidence is an important tool for this. Women, in particular, may feel pressure to project self-assuredness on job sites. It is important to remember that confidence is reinforced, and not undermined, by openness and honesty – especially when you are asking for advice from contractors and colleagues to come up with creative solutions together.
6) Words of Wisdom for emerging young architects?
Architecture is a multifaceted field that takes a fair amount of time to gain confidence in. Finding your style of communication is an important tool for building relationships with clients, as well as colleagues and mentors. For me, communication was about embracing the role of the architect as both confidante and advisor, which has added energy and optimism to my experience in this profession.