Empowering Women in Real Estate: An interview with DEI Co-Chair Katy Ghahremani

Through our Empowering Women in Real Estate series, we are showcasing the immense and varied contributions women are making to London’s built environment, exploring their experiences of working in the sector and sharing their advice on how to develop a career in the industry. 

1. What is your current role in the real estate sector?  

I am an architect and interior designer, working across multiple sectors including hospitality, retail, residential and workplace. As well as my day-to-day role leading projects, I am one of the directors at Make Architects and I am actively involved in the running of the practice.  

I am proud to co-chair the LPA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which is working to drive positive change, promote best practice and champion diverse voices across London’s built environment sector. Recently, the committee has been spearheading a report on Social Value in the Built Environment, helping to ensure that the real estate sector is able to deliver social benefits through new development for our communities.  

2. What has been your experience as a woman working in a sector that is traditionally perceived to be male dominated? 

I have been very lucky, I have not felt ‘different’ or ‘other’ in the practices I have worked for. This is down to having a strong mentor and ally in Ken Shuttleworth with whom I have worked since finishing my architectural education, firstly at Foster & Partners and for the last 21 years at Make.  

Having this support has shaped my attitude of not expecting or accepting anything less than respect and equal treatment when working with consultants, clients and contractors, and given me the strength to stand up for myself and my team in challenging situations. 

3. What is the importance of companies supporting gender balance? 

Many challenges to working life, such as caring duties, are becoming issues not just for women but for all, although women still undertake the largest proportion of caring for children or older relatives. While we’re seeing a better balance than in previous generations, society and businesses need to give greater consideration to carers to ensure they can still participate in the workforce. 

The impact of a diverse workforce – not just in terms of gender – is important as it directly impacts how we shape our built environment. In the property sector, in particular architecture and design, it helps to create better spaces and places. This is better for business too, as projects are more successful as a result. The LPA’s Diversifying Real Estate guidebooks are a good starting point, setting out simple ways that companies in the built environment sector can be more inclusive.   

Further reading:

Interview: Empowering Women in Real Estate: An interview with CPA NextGen Chair Sophie Morgan
Guidebook: Diversifying Real Estate Guidebook: Gender  
Podcast: Shaping London – The Women Who Define Our Spaces
Blog: ‘Equality versus equity’ 
Video: International Women’s Day 2022: London Property Alliance
Blog: Gender diversity in the real estate sector by Sue Brown