Aptitude and Capacity: Published Views of the Australian Woman Architect

Abstract

The paper examines the evolving portrayal of women architects, or the possibility thereof, in the popular and professional press in Australia from their earliest consideration in 1888 to a particular moment in 1970. In doing so, it reveals some of the assumptions that underscored the experience of women architects in the profession. It also reveals a number of barriers, outside of the profession, that women faced in architectural careers. In doing so, it raises questions as to the assumptions and hidden barriers to women's full engagement in the Australian architecture profession today.