#TeamHurray : The Dynamic Power of Women in Design
Existing in an industry dominated by men, Hurray Design prides itself in its femininity in the way it carries itself as a brand and as a passionate team of movers and shakers. This isn’t surprising for a team comprised of predominately women, Business Development Associates and Designers, who work together to tailor-fit each space to our clients’ needs and preferences.
And as we celebrate Women’s Month, we took the opportunity to sit down with some of the women of #TeamHurray and talk about being women in design, the challenges and advantages that come along with it, and their dreams for the craft.
How does it feel like to be a woman in design? What are the common challenges you experience?
IDr. Genevee Arceo, PIID, Traffic Manager: Managing how we're perceived is still one of the challenges women in design face. Sadly, people still make assumptions based on gender and age but women in design or the construction industry can be very empowering and an avenue to voice up.
Ar. Nikki Ligan, UAP, Architecture & Technical Team Lead: To me [being a woman in the industry] is fun, empowering, and meaningful. Though gender stereotypes are prevalent in design & construction, it's a welcome challenge to continually persist in breaking the glass ceiling for women in design.
PHOTO 1 OF 4 Ar. Nikki meets up with clients on-site
IDr. Rossy Rojales, PIID, Hurray Co-Founder & Principal Designer: I wouldn't say it's a challenge but a change I would like to see is more women in the design construction industry. I'm curious how women can help innovate the old ways of doing things!
PHOTO 2 OF 4 Hurray’s Principal Design, IDr. Rossy, coordinates with suppliers in a project for turnover
Denise Soriano, Business Development Manager: It’s inspiring and empowering to see women in the design industry and I think they serve as role models and/or mentors for other women who are or also wish to be in the same industry to make different choices and shake up how things are done!
France Alarilla, Schematic & FF&E Team Lead: As a woman in design, I feel empowered by my work. While it can be challenging to voice my opinions, the support and confidence of other women in the field motivates me. I believe that diversity of perspective is essential in design, and as a woman, we bring a unique perspective that adds value to my work.
IDr. Ina Esquivel, PIID, Business Development Associate: I feel like women are becoming more prominent in the industry which is evident in the women of Hurray. Branching out from interior design to architecture and now to construction, women are continuously breaking barriers and pushing the envelope on what can be done through our creativity and determination!
What are the advantages see as a woman in the design industry?
IDr. Rossy: That as women, we evolve so much over time and our life experiences can be a powerful tool to help us connect and emphatize with our clients. I'm a mom of 2, I can say I see and design things differently now.
Denise: Based on my experience in working with women designers, I agree! I can say that they are active listeners, thorough in communication and keen into details to which all are very important in translating design visions into tangible design.
IDr. Gen: As women, we tap into our inner selves that leads to being empathetic leaders. Women, more than passion have compassion for design and people’s needs!
Ar. Nikki: I agree. As women, we are more attuned to our thoughts and emotions. This can be a strength in better understanding other people's design needs and creating human-centric spaces.
PHOTO 3 OF 4 Going over project details. Pictured are the Business Development Associates, Manager and Brand Experience Lead with IDr. Gen
IDr. Ina: An advantage for me is that we, I believe, as women are more meticulous! I think we can see both the big picture and the pieces that make up the big picture and in that sense we’re able to explore different avenues and cater to a variety of needs.
What do you want to tell other women who are thinking of entering design? What encouragement or pieces of advice do you want to share with them?
PHOTO 4 OF 4 Designers discuss ongoing projects in the Hurray HQ
IDr. Gen: What I want to tell them is to embrace every opportunity, challenge yourself and be passionate. Find your voice and express your personality in every creative output you put your work on.
IDr. Ina: Design isn’t one dimensional, it's a way of communicating and communication in a team is most effective when everyone speaks up, understands one another, and unifies their message. [What I’d tell them is to] stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions, your voice will always matter and your perspective can change the way others view things.
Ar. Nikki: For other women, keep fueling your passion with curiosity! Always ask questions and never be afraid to try new & different things.
Denise: [What I’d like to share is], follow your passion, stay curious and always, always be open to learning and trying new and different things!
IDr. Rossy: As for me, inspire and be inspired by the fabulous women in design! I've always had someone to look up to. From local to international designers and business innovators, I think it helps fuel my passion for my work.
To get to know more about Team Hurray and what they do, check out the rest of our blog at Beyond Ordinary!