Marking International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, PrimeResi speaks to female leaders from across the resi industry – including design, agency, marketing and development – to discuss their careers to date, proudest moments, and where they find inspiration…
Charu Gandhi, Founder & Director at luxury design studio Elicyon
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
The first ‘proper’ working day at Elicyon, which was some months after I founded the studio – we had our space on the Lots Road, a small but formidable team and were unpacking sample boxes. I felt so singularly proud of backing myself and taking the leap.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
I would have to say Cecilia Halling Howells, our Creative Director. Her tenacity, passion and commitment to our clients, projects and team is magical. She guides us with a deftness of hand and moral compass that I find inspiring.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
A telescope, so I could escape the island and look up at the stars, knowing the people I love can see the same.
Cecilia Halling Howells, Creative Director at Elicyon
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
Within a few months of starting up Elicyon we were given the opportunity to pitch to design a large private home in the English countryside. As a small team at that point, we didn’t think we stood much of a chance, but we gave it everything we had – and won it. That project enabled us to grow, both in size and in confidence, so it was a pivotal moment.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
I’m grateful to all the women before us and paved the way in the field of design. I’ve just finished reading a book about Swedish textile designer Märta Måås-Fjetterström, which left me in awe of her talent and determination. She created incredible modernist rugs which still feel contemporary today, a century on.
Jenny Naylor, Strategic Brand & Marketing Consultant for The OWO and Raffles London
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
It would have to be setting up an early learning centre and nursery school in 2017 in Nkhotakota, a very rural part of Malawi. The school is now fully managed by the community and today has a register of over 50 youngsters aged three to five years with two full-time teachers. I’m so proud of what’s been achieved so far, and the difference that it is making at a very ground roots level. It has given so many children, particularly girls, the chance to take control of their future.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
In my personal life, my mother, as she’s always been my biggest supporter and I hope to have her level of energy and enthusiasm for adventure when I’m her age! In business, I would shine a light on one of my first female bosses, Helen McCabe-Young, who was Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing at Kerzner International, overseeing the commercial success of One&Only Resorts and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. She set the bar dizzyingly high but fully supported me and others to reach it.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
It would have to be a piano as I find playing piano a great stress reliever. It’s a whole-brain activity so it would help me stay mentally healthy and forget about being stranded in total isolation in the middle of nowhere.
Sarah Ward, Co-Founder & Creative Director at interior design studio Ward & Co
What is the proudest single achievement in your career to date?
It’s not a single achievement, but I have been in business for over 30 years and to still love what I do; that to me is an achievement.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
My yoga mat; yoga keeps me focused, calm and happy.
Rosie Ward, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Ward & Co
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
Recently I have found the actress and activist Emma Watson very inspiring – she’s roughly my age and manages to consistently stand up for what she believes in with a great deal of eloquence and authenticity.
What is the proudest single achievement in your career to date?
Working my way up through the industry and being at the helm of Ward & Co during the re-brand of the business was a milestone achievement for me. To see the acknowledgment of our company from the wider industry has been hugely rewarding.
Fiona Barratt-Campbell, Director at luxury furniture brand FBC London
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
All working mothers inspire me with their ability to multitask on a daily basis. To undertake the responsibility of looking after children, running a household and then going to work and to be focused and professional takes an incredible amount of organisation and resolve.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
I am always practical so for me, it would be a Swiss pen knife. A multi-use tool would be essential.
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
I would say every day in business, whether good or bad, is an achievement. No day is the same and each brings its own challenges to be thankful for and to learn from.
Meriam Lock-Necrews, Head of Residential at Battersea Power Station
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
My proudest achievement has been watching individuals who I have nurtured in some way throughout my career, be it a team member or a colleague, become successful in their own right. Over the years, I have worked alongside so many people and led various teams who I have supported in different ways – not just as their manager but also as a friend. When I see them achieve their goals, it is incredibly satisfying. Our industry is about people and I don’t think that is widely understood. People buy from people. Anyone can sell a property, but not everyone can win the trust and confidence of buyers and sellers alike.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
I love tennis – I adore Emma Raducanu. In this day and age, a lot revolves around material things and looking the part. Nowadays, I have the added dimension of bringing up four year old twin girls and I realise how much social media has changed the world, with the focus being more on appearance than ever before. I never want them to feel the pressure of looking good.
For me, I respect women, who work hard for what they achieve, are resilient through an ever-challenging world and achieve their ambitions without worrying too much about following the crowd. Watching Emma Raducanu perform and observing her mental resilience for someone so young is what I admire and respect, and want for my young girls.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
A pencil. I love drawing, and hate doing nothing!
Liza-Jane Kelly, Sales Director at international property agency Savills
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
I’m extremely proud of what led me to where I am today at Savills; acquiring and then building the Marsh & Parsons business from what was six to 15+ offices by the time we sold the company in 2012. It was a huge undertaking and I learnt a tremendous amount along the way. When my business partner and I took over in 2005, there was virtually no infrastructure and we had to put in place everything from HR to IT systems as well as completely re-structure the sales and lettings teams. It was twelve years of solid, hard work but we built a fantastic and well-respected brand that became known across London at the time. Having personally invested in the business at the beginning, it was a really personal journey too.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
My mother has always inspired me and continues to do so to this day. I certainly feel that her guidance and support have had a major influence on who I am today and what I have been able to achieve.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
It would have to be my mobile phone, assuming it’s a desert island with sufficient reception! Most who know me will know I am never off or without my phone – I have always aimed to respond to every message or call I receive as soon as I can. As a result my battery can get drained quite quickly so I would probably need a portable charger too…
Work aside, I’d want to keep in touch with my family and friends and maybe send them a photo or two of my new surroundings.
Hannah Aykroyd, Managing Director at boutique residential property advisory firm Aykroyd & Co
What is the single proudest achievement in your career to date?
Establishing Aykroyd & Co, and being ranked in the Top 10 Buying Agencies across the UK in our first year.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life or industry and why?
The Queen. She continues to demonstrate the most incredible work ethic, resilience and calm throughout the decades.
If you could take one item with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?
A knife – practicality is key.
More thoughts on IWD, ‘breaking the bias’ and work/life balance…
Laura Hammett, Founder at global design studio Laura Hammett
International Women’s Day is a day to take a moment to appreciate the incredible women who came before us, and to celebrate each other and how far we’ve come.
I feel so grateful to be in an industry that is lead in the majority by strong powerful women, however there is still so much work to be done to make it a level playing field.
I’m very proud to be supporting the great work being done by the charity United In Design to help to diversify the female talent in the design industry. This is a day to remember the importance of raising each other up!
Jo Eccles, Founder at luxury residential property acquisition and management business Eccord
International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to show support for our female peers and celebrate the many achievements within our industry and across the board.
As the founder of a predominantly female business, I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of my female colleagues and the many female professionals I am fortunate enough to work with on a regular basis.
The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the drive for a greater work/life balance. Offering flexible hours, remote working and a supportive culture is essential to ensure not only that women have access to the top jobs, but that the top jobs are able to attract incredible women. At Eccord, we have adopted far greater flexibility, enabling our staff to juggle responsibilities outside of work and our business is certainly better off as a result.
Karen Stonely, Founding Principal at New York City-based design studio SPAN Architecture
This year’s International Women’s Day’s Campaign theme is ‘Break The Bias’ – this to me is the perfect decisive action based mantra. 2022 is about taking decisive action when it comes to the support of women both across the world and in our industry.
Architecture remains a male dominated profession and I will be doing my best to break down this stigma and support women wishing to make waves in the industry.
Tina Norden, Partner at architecture and interior design practice Conran and Partners
I realise that the lack of discrimination I have personally experienced is not everyone’s experience and many women face much adversity in achieving their goals.
Subconsciously I have always been looking out for female role models, which were scarce at times, in particular in architectural education. This lack of visibility has a major impact on what young women may see as a viable career option, in particular if their circumstances are less supportive.
As a result I consider it of key importance to try and be such a role model in the industry to encourage and help young women in their career.
We are very fortunate that the design community is diverse and less gender-oriented than most.
Positive leadership and taking the next generation under our wing is key to make the world a more positive place for all women irrespective of their background.
