In this episode, Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore speak with Ali McFayden, Director and Secretary of Parlour, whose career spans more than 15 years across architecture consultancy, research, and advisory roles. Alongside her leadership at Parlour, where she coordinates national programs such as the Seasonal Salons, POD Program, and LAB Series, Ali is also pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne that examines the barriers and enablers to women's career progression in architecture.
Our conversation delves into Ali's research, exploring why women continue to leave the profession at higher rates than men despite policy reforms and increasing participation. She discusses emerging findings around enablers and barriers to progression, the impact of workplace culture, and how leadership can be fostered across all levels of practice. Ali also reflects on her own professional journey, including moments of burnout and transition, and how these experiences sharpened her focus on equity, wellbeing, and sustainable career pathways.
This episode offers a candid and insightful look at how architecture must evolve to support women and all practitioners in thriving, long-term careers. Ali's perspective highlights why genuine structural change is vital if the profession is to retain talent and foster equity at every stage of practice.
Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.
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This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore.
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