Roundtable Review: 8 Architecture Firms Highlight DetachED Homes and the Role of Women in Architecture
On February 16, as part of EPS Culture Month, a gathering of several architectural firms convened at the auditorium of the Alicante University Polytechnic IV. The roundtable, titled 8 CASAS DE ARQUITECTAS, centered on the shared concept of detached houses and explored how design approaches shape living spaces for modern families.
The event sparked a dynamic dialogue that extended beyond the original theme. While the focus was on house projects and the art of drawing in architecture, it also shone a light on the architectural profession itself and on many aspects of the field that merit further discussion and development in the present day.
A notable point of discussion emerged from the participation data: while the architecture degree shows an almost equal distribution between men and women at admission and during studies, the professional landscape 25 years after graduation reveals a significant gender imbalance. In Alicante, there are far fewer published projects by female architects compared with male counterparts, even among those who have demonstrated project quality, solvency, and a track record that includes awards and international recognition.
With these observations, the session did not aim to conduct a demographic census. Rather, it underscored a clear fact: the proportion of women who establish independent practices or partnerships remains lower, which carries implications for leadership in multidisciplinary teams and for the visibility of female-led work in construction-related sectors. This is not a critique of capability; many women are heads of teams across various industries connected to building and civil service roles, yet there are still barriers to equal footing within the current market model.
All participating architects are recognized professionals who frequently manage cross-disciplinary teams and bring distinguished credentials to the table. Still, they report facing substantial challenges in the profession. The main pressures stem from balancing family responsibilities and the persistence of stereotypes in a field that has long been male-dominated. Rather than dwelling on grievances, the roundtable emphasized the need for visible role models and reliable references to guide future generations. The discussion also highlighted calls for more comprehensive reconciliation plans at the general level, ensuring work schedules respect time for family life, which is essential for sustainable careers in architecture.
Although these practitioners are esteemed for their professional achievements and leadership, the discussion did not shy away from acknowledging the hurdles they encountered to reach this point. Architect Silvia Alonso shared a memorable account of the long hours spent on construction details the day before a birth, illustrating the extraordinary personal and professional commitments involved in the field.
Ultimately, the aim of the roundtable was not to dwell on regret but to establish a reference point for progress. As architect Maribel Requena observes, advancing toward equality requires more than individual effort; events like this can propel the profession toward fairer practices and greater inclusivity. They underscore the value of mentorship, representation, and structured opportunities for career development that accommodate diverse life paths.
For more conversations like this, the university’s ongoing commitment to dialogue and advancement remains clear.
Note: The roundtable, updated for contemporary relevance, is part of the Drawing 3 subject of the Architecture Fundamentals Degree at the University of Alicante.