KPF+, a group advocating for women in the workplace, organized events for each week of March to highlight and uplift the work of women in the AEC industry.
On International Women’s Day, March 8, a group from the Shanghai office attended a unique boxing class held by the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) China to celebrate the achievements of women in commercial real estate and other sectors, inspiring participants to “confront life with courage.” WLI’s theme for the year, #InspireInclusion, pushes for a future that is increasingly inclusive and equitable. Additionally, Principal Rebecca Cheng and Director Florence Chan celebrated the global holiday by participating in events focused on female leadership.
In London, internationally acclaimed Swiss-French photographer Helene Binet gave a lecture covering her over 35 years of work capturing both contemporary and historic architecture around the world. Known as “the architect’s photographer” by some, renowned architects, including Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Peter Zumthor, have turned to her to interpret their work. She is a fervent advocate of analog photography, working exclusively with film, and a firm believer that “the soul of photography is its relationship with the instant.”
In New York, Cynthia Phifer Kracauer, architect and creative institutional administrator, gave a talk on her career journey and accomplishments. Cynthia is the immediate past Executive Director at the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) and currently serves as Executive Producer for the New Angle: Voice Podcast. After graduating from Princeton University, she worked for Philip Johnson, and served for ten years as Managing Director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and Center for Architecture prior to joining BWAF.
In the final event of the month, Graceworks hosted a workshop on presentation and communication skills. The group discussed personal expression, concentration and relaxation techniques, how to make technical material interesting, body language, and the power of practice. Since 1995, Graceworks has helped thousands of people shed nervous habits, overcome fears, and shift their focus away from themselves and onto others through workshops and learning sessions. As a result, people feel comfortable in their own skin and confident about what they have to offer.
Events continued into April, as the New York chapter of KPF+ hosted a roundtable event on salient topics in the workplace and industry, namely career development, communication and transparency, initiatives and extracurriculars, office environment, work-life flexibility, and workplace dynamics. The discussions were supported by short news and research articles and guided by KPF women leaders.
KPF+ is a community within the firm dedicated to advancing gender equity, hosting internal events that raise awareness, and promoting a fair and equitable workplace. Explore KPF’s community groups here.