Emma Williamson has been awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize for 2023.

A West Australian Fellow of the AIA and Co-Founder of the strategic built environment consultancy firm The Fulcrum Agency, Williamson was awarded and celebrated by the Award Jury for her upstanding commitment to social issues and practical work to overcome inequities.

“Her contribution to our profession embodies the very definition of this prize,” a statement from the Jury reads.

“Throughout her career, Williamson has advocated for gender equity and diversity, educating the profession on our ethical responsibilities and moral obligations.

“She has also demonstrated the value of this advocacy through a more relevant model of practice that builds on these core values.”

The Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize recognises exceptional leadership and outstanding contribution of an Institute member. The award was created by the Institute’s National Committee for Gender Equity. It is named after late Queensland architect and university Professor Paula Whitman, who studied women in architecture.

Williamson has been active in campaigning for gender equality for over a decade, calling for workplace conditions that enable work-life balance. She was also the inaugural Chair of the Institute’s National Committee for Gender Equity.

“Williamson’s reflections on the imbalance and inequities apparent on social and business fronts have resonated both inside and outside of our profession,” the statement continues.

“At the same time, they have empowered an intergenerational discourse that encourages equity in all aspects of what we do.”

Architecture & Design Team

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