Nicole is sharing 5 women that have shaped her journey within the AEC industry.

My career in architecture has been shaped not only by the projects I’ve worked on, but also by the vision of trailblazing women whose work continues to guide me. These five have left a lasting mark on my professional journey:

Zaha Hadid – Her fearless, boundary-pushing designs remind me to think bigger and not shy away from bold ideas, even when they challenge convention.

Gae Aulenti – Her ability to reimagine existing spaces inspires my own approach to adaptive reuse, seeing potential where others see limitation. 

Kazuyo Sejima – Her refined, light-filled architecture influences how I strive to balance simplicity with impact in my projects.

Marion Mahony Griffin – Her pioneering role in Australia motivates me to carry forward her spirit of innovation and resilience as a woman in the field.

Sarah Kay – As the first woman appointed CEO of Woods Bagot, her leadership represents more than a personal achievement—it’s a milestone for the profession. For younger architects, seeing a woman at the helm of one of Australia’s largest firms is transformative, showing that ambition and leadership are within reach. Her example inspires me to value not only design excellence but also the responsibility to open paths for future generations. 

These women fuel my belief that architecture is more than design—it’s about shaping communities with courage, empathy, and vision.