Tulane conference to feature notable female architects

Some of the country"s leading female architects will share the secrets of running a successful practice at the conference “Design Forward: Innovations in Practice” on Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Richardson Memorial Hall on the Tulane University uptown campus. The conference"s keynote speaker will be Julie VandenBerg Snow of Julie Snow Architects in Minneapolis.

The Tulane School of Architecture is partnering with Women in Architecture, a committee of the New Orleans AIA Chapter, to present the conference.

In the United States, women represent about 50 percent of graduates from architecture programs but only 18 percent of licensed architects and only 2 percent of firm owners, according to the American Institute of Architects.

“Our hope is that men, women, millennials, baby boomers, students, faculty and professionals will come together to share experiences, insights and strategies for improving the workplace and facilitating the professional growth of all,” said Kenneth Schwartz, dean of the Tulane School of Architecture.

In addition to Snow, other speakers include Saskia Dennis-van Dijl of the Cameron MacAllister Group in northern California; Sarah Busch, project executive at the Landis Construction Co. in New Orleans; and Margaret Cavenagh of Studio Gang Architects in Chicago. From the Tulane School of Architecture, speakers include associate dean Wendy Redfield, professor and architect Judith Kinnard and assistant professor Tiffany Lin.

Panels include negotiation and communication, design and process, and leadership and diversity. A special mentoring session will be offered to Tulane students. For registration information, go to the event web page.