As a studio, we hold the belief that good design is never achieved in isolation. In reality, it’s the collective effort of diverse individuals, disciplines and perspectives that drives meaningful outcomes.

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, Accelerate Action, is a reminder that progress in architecture, like in many industries, is ongoing. While strides have been made, there’s still work to do in ensuring equitable career pathways, leadership representation and workplace environments where talent – not gender – defines opportunity.

For us, Accelerating Action is about fostering a studio culture that celebrates collaboration, values different ways of thinking and ensures leadership pathways are available to everyone, equally.

Our studio value ‘Step Inside’ encourages open dialogue, whether through our structured Friday Night Live sessions or impromptu idea exchanges. From collective design critiques to quick chats around the coffee machine over ristrettos and oat lattes, collaboration happens in every form.

Beyond representation for its own sake, our focus is on creating an environment where diverse voices influence, challenge and refine the future of our practice. This commitment is reflected in the continued growth of our team, with Angela Roberts (pictured) recently joining VIA as an Associate and Alison Withers set to join the studio in the near future.

Angela and Alison’s combined expertise strengthens our collective capability, reinforcing the belief that different perspectives improve the way we design.

“Progress happens when opportunities are created, not just discussed,” said Angela. “What drew me to VIA was the culture of collaboration and the way decisions are shaped by varied viewpoints.”

“That’s how real change happens,” she continued. “Not through policies alone, but through the way we work every day. The more we create space for emerging female leaders today, the more we’ll see that impact ripple through the industry for years to come.”

Angela also believes that acceleration comes through active mentorship and support, ensuring that women not only see the opportunities ahead of them but are encouraged to step into them. “It’s not just about having a seat at the table. Instead, we must ensure women at all stages of their career are empowered to speak up and contribute meaningfully,” she added.

Shaping a more equitable design landscape takes ongoing commitment. While there’s no overnight solution, real progress, aka Accelerating Action, happens through inclusive leadership, open conversations and a willingness to challenge the status quo.