Women in Property "What would a city designed by women look like?" talk hosted by Chapman Taylor

On 20th April 2023, Chapman Taylor's Manchester studio hosted a talk on the topic of "What Would a City Designed by Women Look Like?" The Women in Property (North West) Inclusion Series event explored the idea of how the built environment could be transformed if it were designed with a gender perspective.

The talk was led by an expert panel of female architects and designers who discussed how women's experiences and needs differ from men's and how this should be reflected in urban planning and design.

Chapman Taylor Director Rachel Rogerson welcomed attendees and set the scene for the event by discussing inclusive design and highlighting how poor design of the built environment can negatively impact women and vulnerable people.

Chapman Taylor's team comprising of Catalina Ionita (Architect), Evanthia Simitsi (Senior Architect), and Anna Loasby (Architectural Assistant), then discussed Manchester's city planning and how design can affect women differently depending on different life stages: as a 20-year-old woman experiencing the city through the lens of fun and nightlife, as a 30-year-old woman who seeks to start a family in the city, and as a 40-year-old woman, pre-menopause, seeking open greener spaces.

The event sparked interesting conversations on how a city designed by women could prioritise safety, accessibility, and inclusivity, making the environment more welcoming for everyone.

Overall, the talk was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and promote the importance of gender diversity in the property and design industries. It highlighted the benefits of taking a more inclusive and diverse approach to urban planning and design and the need for more women to be involved in the industry.

If you are a woman who lives or works in Manchester, we invite you to complete our survey on your perceptions and experiences of the city. Join us in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all: https://lnkd.in/ePdY86KE

Rachel Rogerson (BA (Hons), Dip Arch)

Director, UK

Rachel is an accomplished design team leader and has worked on many of Chapman Taylor’s flagship projects in the UK and internationally since joining in 2006.

She leads the in-house UK technical group for the business, providing support and advice on regulatory issues. She has over 20 years of experience, with a particular focus on leading complex technical projects and design management of major projects across multiple sectors. Rachel was promoted to the UK Board in 2023 and splits her time between the London and Manchester studios.

Areas of expertise:

Specialist Fit Out / Leisure / Retail / Higher Education / Residential / Design Delivery / Design Management

Evanthia Simitsi (BA(Hons) DipArch MArch)

Senior Architect, UK

Evanthia is a talented and passionate designer, particularly when it comes to hotels, modular construction and residential projects. She has a great understanding of designing to meet the evolving needs of major hotel brands, several with whom she has worked closely.

Evanthia brings a wealth of design experience across numerous sectors.

She is also a key member of our UK Hospitality BD Group.

Areas of expertise:

Hospitality / Leisure / Mixed-use / Residential

Dr Catalina Ionita (BA(Hons) MArch ARB RIBA AFHEA)

Senior Architect, UK

Catalina joined the Manchester studio in 2021 as an Architect supporting the Feasibility team. She brings a passion for successful placemaking to her work in the residential and mixed-use sectors.

She has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, including large residential developments, masterplans, offices, and listed building restorations.

Cat is also a Women in Property North West committee member with a strategic role as Inclusion Champion. For one day a week, she teaches a Masters of Architecture and Urban Design course at the Manchester School of Architecture.

In 2024, she completed a PhD in Urban Activation and Placemaking from Sheffield Hallam University.

Areas of expertise:

Placemaking / Residential / Mixed-Use /Research

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