About this Event
Time away from the workplace, whether on a career break, maternity/paternity leave or those with caring responsibilities, can lead to feelings of isolation and being ‘left out of the loop’.
At this event you will hear from individuals talk about ways in which Architect parents deal with the responsibilities of high demanding jobs, childcare, the work patterns developed and the balance of tasks between mothers and fathers.
We will explore maternity, paternity and flexible working arrangements for Architect parents with babies or children of varying ages, from both large and small practices.
Feature positive examples of practices offering enhanced maternity and paternity leave and support for parents returning to work.
Hear examples of shared parental leave has been an incentive for couples to balance their career progression and why mother's career progression is generally more affected than fathers when returning to work.
Welcome and Introduction
Maria Loreto Flores, Associate Director Zaha Hadid Architects and WIA UK Committee
Chaired by Judith Topley, Director Jo Cowen Architects, Assoc CIPD, Enterprise Advisor Central London Careers Hub
Speakers
- Naomi Sakamoto, Principal, Gensler
- Caterina Polidoro, Principal Director, tp bennett
- Mario Barrientos, Senior Associate, Morris & Co.
- Dan Carter, Head of Design, United Living Group
- Sophie McCarty, Design Director, Atomik Architecture
- Matt Waddelow, Associate, Shed KM
Inclusion
This event is designed to be inclusive and equitable, welcoming individuals of all gender identities and those from underrepresented and marginalized communities to participate. All are welcome and will be treated with dignity and respect.
Accessibility
Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs, require assistance during an emergency evacuation or require any adjustments at . If you require assistance during an emergency evacuation, please let us know as we need to complete a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan with you prior to the event. We will do our best working with the RIBA to put effective adjustments in place.
This event may be recorded or photographed.
This is a family friendly event, babies and toddlers welcome.
This event is in collaboration with WIA UK, the RIBA and the RIBA's Balance Community.
Judith Topley, Jo Cowen Architects
Judith is Practice Director at Jo Cowen Architects, working with senior leadership across all aspects of practice including people and culture.
She is passionate about broadening diversity within the profession and wider built environment sector and is keen to enable this across all stages of a career.
Judith is a mother to 19-year-old twins.
Naomi Noelani Kam Yuk Sakamoto, Principal, Gensler
Naomi is a Principal in Gensler’s London office, leading both the Technology practice area for the firm’s Europe region and a studio serving innovative clients in sciences, tech, and creative industries. With a background in urban design, civil engineering, and architecture, Naomi is a regular keynote speaker at leading events across Europe, delivering thought leadership on topics related to the future of work and the importance of physical space to nurture talent and enhance human connection.
Caterina Polidoro, Principal Director, tp bennett
Katia is an architect and urban designer with twenty years’ experience working on a wide range of projects from large-scale masterplanning and regeneration schemes through to architecture and interior design.
She has been responsible for projects in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Turkey, Bahrain, UAE, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Thailand. As a member of the architectural NGOs Article 25 (Development & Disaster Relief) and Architecture Sans Frontières UK, Katia has been involved in community and regeneration work overseas. She collaborated with LSE Centre for Women, Peace and Security on a research project about Architecture and Peace: how design can address gender inequalities. Katia is actively involved in mentoring programmes (some of which she set-up) within tp bennett and externally with RIBA, Westminster University, Real Estate Balance, Women in Property, Mentoring Circle and Urban Land Institute. On behalf of tp bennett as national sponsor, she is also currently leading the Women in Property Student Awards 2022. She is often an external examiner for several London Universities and is also a Design South East Panel Member.
Mario Barrientos, Senior Associate, Morris + Company
Senior Associate at Morris+Company leading technical and construction design, over 20 years’ international experience across sector and father of seven and one and half years old daughters.
Matt Waddelow, Associate, Shed KM
Matt is an Associate who has been with shedkm since 2016, supporting the development of the practice’s London Studio. His focus is primarily within shedkm’s residential portfolio and the practice environment.
Matt became a father in 2023.
Sophie McCarthy, Design Director, Atomik Architecture
Sophie is the Design Director at Atomik Architecture and brings over 20 years of experience to the studio, working on a diverse range of projects spanning residential, office, and hospitality sectors. Throughout her career Sophie has contributed to both large and small practices and also ran her own firm, Kirkwood McCarthy. As a mother of two children, aged 6 and 9, Sophie draws on her personal experiences to help shape family-friendly policies within the company.
Dan Carter, Head of Design and Technical, United Living New Homes
Architect with 17 years’ experience, parent with 6 years’ experience. After 15 years in practice for two large-scale practices Dan now works for a residential contractor and is attempting to balance childcare with his wife – also an architect.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
