International Women’s Day holds many meanings. It can be a day to celebrate progress, a reminder of the work that remains, and an opportunity for reflection.

In architecture (as in many professions), those reflections often intersect with broader conversations about opportunity, visibility, and the many ways people contribute to shaping the environments around us.

Within O4, these conversations happen: in project discussions, in collaboration across disciplines, and in the experiences that shape how each person approaches their role.

On this occasion, some women in our team shared some perspectives to reflect, inspire, and commemorate for anyone who wants to join the conversation.

Perspective and gratitude

For Elizabeth, International Women’s Day is a moment to step back and recognize the broader context in which many of us live and work.

“We should celebrate and recognize where we are and where we live. The freedoms that we are able to enjoy should never be taken lightly. In a world with so much chaos, it is really important.”

Her reflections also move beyond the professional sphere, acknowledging the many roles that shape a person’s life.

“I am grateful to be a woman — a mother, daughter, sister, grandmother. All of it. I would never wish anything else.”

Looking toward the next generation, her advice is the following:

“Ask lots of questions and take a few chances. Never lose sight of where you came from, but always strive for what you dream so it can become your reality.”

Opportunity and awareness

Experiences of gender equality can vary widely depending on context, geography, and circumstance. Natalie reflects on how her own experience has been shaped by where and how she lives and works.

“I count myself incredibly fortunate to experience very little gender inequality in my daily life. As a tall, white, cis woman with professional credentials working in a progressive city in a progressive country, I rarely encounter blatant sexism and this has been the case since childhood. It happens, but rarely.”

That awareness also brings a broader perspective.

“I recognize that my experience is not the norm for many women around the world who still experience egregious sexism that restricts their life choices, endangers their bodies and harms their mental health.”

For her, this reality underscores the importance of continued advocacy and attention to areas that are often overlooked.

“Health conditions uniquely affecting female bodies are often under-researched and treatments underfunded, creating health inequality.”

Natalie also speaks about confidence in professional environments, particularly early in one’s career.

“It can be reflexive to question your competence and authority starting in a technical career — especially when you lack experience and are working with men who speak authoritatively.”

Her advice is direct:

“Give yourself permission to be confident. Even saying you don’t know can be done confidently with the knowledge that you have the skills to find the answers. Competence will come with experience, but confidence is an attitude.”

And perhaps most importantly:

“Don’t wait to be confident. It is your right just as much as the men you work with.”

Women shaping architecture

Architecture has long been a collaborative discipline, and the presence of women across design and construction continues to grow.

Jasmin reflects on how this shift is becoming increasingly visible across project teams.

“One thing I think we should celebrate more is the growing presence of women in fields that historically haven’t had many of us, like architecture and construction. It’s encouraging to see more women involved in design, project coordination, and across consultant teams.”

For her, visibility plays a crucial role for future generations.

“That visibility makes a real difference for the next generation coming into the field.”

At the same time, she points to areas where conversations continue to evolve.

“There’s still room for more visibility and advocacy around things like pay transparency and making sure opportunities and recognition are equitable. Conversations around this have become more open in recent years, which is a positive step.”

When thinking about women beginning their careers, she returns to a familiar but important theme:

“Don’t underestimate your voice. Ask questions, speak up in meetings, and don’t feel like you have to wait until you know everything before contributing.”

She adds with a note of honesty:

“Everyone is still learning. Trust me, I’m definitely still constantly trying to remind myself this.”

Voice, collaboration, and the built environment

For Marta, International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to reflect on how women contribute to shaping the built environment.

“For me, March 8 is a moment to recognize how many women are shaping the built environment around us.”

While architecture has always been collaborative, she notes that the ways women contribute are not always equally visible.

“Architecture has always been a collaborative discipline, but the ways women contribute to it — through leadership, creativity, and the ability to navigate complex challenges — are not always as visible as they should be.”

Their influence can be seen across many dimensions of the profession.

“From leading teams and managing projects to pushing forward conversations about sustainability, cities, and the social role of architecture, their influence is felt in many ways, even when it happens quietly.”

Like others in the team, Marta emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s perspective early in a career.

“Architecture benefits from diverse ways of thinking and your voice matters sooner than you might think. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready to contribute — most of us never do.”

She also highlights the importance of collaboration and mutual support.

“Supporting each other, sharing knowledge and making space for new voices within our teams is one of the most meaningful ways we can continue shaping architecture for the better.”

A shared environment

The reflections above come from Elizabeth, Natalie, Jasmin, and Marta, but they represent only part of the group of women who contribute to the work of O4.

Even though this time they couldn’t participate, Amanda and Alex are also part of the team shaping projects, conversations, and daily collaboration across the studio. Their perspectives and work are equally present in the environments we create together.

Architecture is always the result of many voices and many forms of expertise. The diversity of experiences within a team is part of what allows projects to respond thoughtfully to the communities they serve.

Moving forward together

International Women’s Day reminds us that progress within any profession is collective.

It is shaped by more than individual achievements, it is shaped by the environments we create for one another: workplaces where people feel confident contributing their ideas, where questions are welcomed, and where different perspectives are valued.

For the rest of the team at O4, that means continuing to support those conditions in everyday practice: through collaboration, mentorship, and openness to new voices within the profession.

Because architecture benefits from diverse ways of thinking, and the spaces we design are stronger when the people shaping them feel empowered to participate fully.

And through these reflections we’d like to remind every woman reading this:

Don’t wait to feel ready. You already are.