Celebrating women in architecture – Jane Dew Prize Winners

Architecture has long been a field dominated by male voices, yet throughout history, women have been quietly reshaping our built environment with innovative designs, sustainable solutions, and socially conscious approaches. The Jane Drew Prize, an award given annually by Architects’ Journal, stands as a powerful testament to these contributions and continues to illuminate the path for future generations.

Named after Jane Drew, a pioneering British modernist architect who broke barriers in the mid-20th century, this award celebrates women who have fundamentally transformed the practice of architecture. From sustainable housing solutions in disaster-struck regions to bold museum designs that challenge our perception of space, these women represent the very best of architectural innovation and social responsibility.

Yasmeen Lari (2020 winner)

As Pakistan’s first female architect, Yasmeen Lari won the Jane Drew Prize in 2020 for her “contribution to raising the profile of women in architecture and design”. A graduate of Oxford School of Architecture (now Oxford Brookes University), Lari was elected to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1969. After founding her practice in the 1960s, she initially focused on large-scale commercial projects in Karachi before shifting her attention to humanitarian and environmental architecture.

Since the 2000s, her focus has turned to designing homes for communities impacted by climate change and natural disasters. Using vernacular building techniques and traditional materials like earth, lime and bamboo, these projects reflect Lari’s ethos of “barefoot social architecture”, a tool for social justice and climate resilience.(Image: A school in Pakistan)

Kate Macintosh (2021 winner)

Kate Macintosh, a Scottish architect, won the Jane Drew Prize in 2021 for her “work in public architecture and advocation for the use of buildings as a tool for social justice since the 1960s.”
Trained at the Edinburgh College of Art, Macintosh has made her mark working on UK public housing projects, championing architecture that serves marginalised communities. She is best known for Dawson’s Heights, the distinctively terraced public housing project in Dulwich, which she began drafting at the tender age of 26.

Macintosh’s work stands out for its humanistic qualities, ensuring spaces are designed with dignity and accessibility for all. Her longstanding advocacy for the value of public housing and her emphasis on the social role of architecture continue to inspire contemporary architects.

Farshid Moussavi (2022 winner)

Iranian-born British architect, Farshid Moussavi (OBE) received the Jane Drew Prize “for elevating the profile of women in architecture”. She’s also an educator and author. Known for her intellectual and theoretical approach to design, Moussavi has written several influential books, including The Function of Ornament and The Function of Style.

Founder of Farshid Moussavi Architecture (FMA) and a Professor in Practice of Architecture at Harvard University, her achievements include the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, the John Lewis department store in Leicester, and the Victoria Beckham flagship store in London. Her designs often combine functionality with bold aesthetic gestures.

Moussavi’s philosophy emphasises architecture as an active force in shaping cultural and social interactions. Her work is celebrated for its experimentation with form and its embrace of diverse materials and functions. Moussavi’s dual role as a practitioner and educator inspires the next generation of architects to think critically about design.

Kazuyo Sejima (2023 Winner)

Kazuyo Sejima is a celebrated Japanese architect renowned for her minimalist and modernist work. She co-founded SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates) with Ryue Nishizawa in 1995, after gaining architectural experience with Toyo Ito. Sejima is a pioneer in blending simplicity with innovative use of materials and spatial configurations.

Sejima’s portfolio includes globally recognised works such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, the Sydney Modern Project at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Louvre-Lens Museum in France.

Her work is defined by her ability to create spaces that feel both innovative and serene, with an abundance of natural light. Sejima’s signature use of glass, white surfaces and open spaces establishes a sense of fluidity and connectivity. Always pushing boundaries, she is a leading role model for women in architecture.

Iwona Buczkowska (2024 winner)

Renowned for her human-centred projects, Polish-born French architect Iwona Buczkowska won the 2024 Jane Drew Prize for her significant contribution to raising the profile of women in architecture.

Buczkowska grew up in and studied in Poland before taking up a scholarship at l’École Spéciale d’Architecture (ÉSA) in Paris, in 1974. She founded her practice, Atelier Iwona Buczkowska, in 1980.

She has become a leading advocate for architecture that is both functional and human-centred. Buczkowska is known for her unique style in blending curved and angular aesthetics with functionality for residential and education buildings. Her groundbreaking work in affordable housing in France, such as the Cité Pierre Sémard project, set new creative benchmarks for inclusive design.

Buczkowskas’ designs often integrate green spaces and communal areas. They blend practicality with aesthetic sophistication, proving that social housing and public buildings can be functional and beautiful.

Connect with Architecture and Design Recruitment Specialists

The contributions of women in architecture have often been under-recognised. The W Awards redress this by highlighting the many achievements of women architects from around the world. We hope you found inspiration from this list and discovered new architects to follow and celebrate.

Bespoke Careers actively supports women in architecture through various initiatives. As dedicated advocates for the industry, we attend and promote architecture and design events across the UK, US, and Australia.

To explore job opportunities or discuss your hiring needs in architecture and design, get in touch with our team today.