On International Women’s day, we celebrate women in landscape architecture, highlighting their impact, challenges, and the need for greater gender equity and leadership representation.
Landscape architecture is a profession where women have made significant contributions, yet challenges remain in ensuring equal representation at all levels, particularly in leadership roles. In addition, efforts must still be made to ensure that the next generation of women are drawn into the field with fresh creativity, drive, and viewpoints.
On International Women’s Day, we amplify the voices of our members as they share their experiences, reflections, and hopes for the future. Their words remind us that progress is not just about representation but about valuing the diverse perspectives that drive meaningful, lasting change in our built and natural environments.
Carolin Göhler FLI, President of the Landscape Institute
Landscape Architect and Horticulturist
“The International Women’s Day reminds me of all the good work undertaken by female landscape architects, garden designers and place makers etc all over the world giving different perspectives and solutions when delivering functional as much as beautiful spaces. This also during adverse conditions – from war zones to countries with no favourable and supporting environments for highly trained landscape architects and other landscape professionals. Together – often through great teamwork – we can make the globe a better place to live for everyone and let people and nature have a fuller life and it is good to remember and celebrate that women are 50% of that skilled collective making it happen.”
Jane Findlay FLI, Past President of the Landscape Institute
Founding Director of Fira Landscape
“As a woman in landscape architecture for over 40 years, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of design in shaping spaces that honor both nature and people. Yet, as we face unprecedented challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the growing health crisis, the landscapes and places we create will play a role in solving these issues.
“Gender equity in our field is not just about balance—it’s about amplifying the unique perspectives and talents that women bring to the table. The need for bold, innovative solutions has never been greater. The future of landscape architecture is in the hands of the next generation of women, and I am excited to see how they will lead with urgency, creativity, and purpose.”
Kate Richards CMLI, Chair of LI Wales Branch
Director of Landscape Architecture at Land Studio UK
“I, like so many of my peers, stumbled across landscape architecture. I was intent on becoming an architect, but studied the dual BA course at Sheffield and even after completing a Masters in both disciplines, something in the scale, variety and layering of landscape architecture has kept both my feet firmly in this profession.
“I am often aware of how few women are present around the table in the design team, site and client presentation meetings I attend, even after 20 years the ratios are still striking. And that doesn’t even factor in other aspects of diversity (I am used to being the only non-white person in the room). While attitudes have improved in construction generally, I would like to see more women across the industry. With better female representation, the built environment will be more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”
Romy Rawlings FLI, Founder and Director at DeepGreen
“I’ve found I’m completely done with International Women’s Day this year. I wondered if I should even provide a statement because I don’t want to come out with the same vaguely optimistic words that I, along with thousands of others, have done for years.
“Because what I want is for the issues around women to be discussed every single day. Whether that’s VAWG, the gender pay gap, the motherhood pay gap, the gender pain gap, or any of the other myriad ways in which disparity exists. Yes, of course, great advances have been made in some areas, even in my working life, but meaningful change is painfully slow and many people (mostly, but not all, men) still refuse to acknowledge there’s any issue.
“For instance, according to Grant Thornton, women in senior management in the UK may see pay parity by 2053. So, if I ever have a granddaughter, she might not be asked to provide a quote around the gender pay gap in her lifetime… We can but hope.”
Clare Penny CMLI, Course Leader in Landscape Architecture at University of East London
“One of the great things about Landscape Architecture is the high number of women in the profession. This is not true of many other design and construction professions, and it brings a different perspective to the table when we are designing, in meetings, and on site.
“I have been fortunate in my career to work for a range of practices, each with their own benefits, but one of the most supportive environments I ever worked in was at Bellinger Design, where we were an all-female team. I have also felt really supported and championed by some outstanding female bosses, such as Sue Croker at Winchester City Council and Kathryn Whitmore at AECOM. These women are both leaders in their field and I learned so much from their professional experience and compassion in the workplace.
“I continue to work with strong, determined and kind women in my career, from my students at the University of East London to those I work with professionally. Not only that, I would not be where I am without the support of some fantastic male colleagues who have supported me and my passion for Landscape Architecture.
“As we find our way in a rapidly changing world, I am sure that women’s role in Landscape Architecture, particularly our influence at Director and boardroom level, will only continue to grow.”
Dr Saira Ali FLI, Team Leader Landscape Design and Conservation at Bradford Council
“As a woman working in landscape architecture, I’ve seen first-hand the power of inclusive design in shaping places that work for everyone. Women have made incredible contributions to the profession, leading on climate resilience, heritage conservation, and community-driven placemaking, but there is still work to do. Gender equity in our industry means creating pathways for more women to lead, championing diverse voices, and ensuring that our landscapes reflect the needs of all communities. The future of landscape is one of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion—and women must be at the heart of it!”
Wendy Lancaster FLI, Co-owner and Director at Tyler Grange
“I feel fortunate to work in an industry and a company that is so well represented by women, particularly at senior levels. We have been lucky to have in the past and now, fantastic strong women leaders at the LI.
“Tyler Grange is passionate about gender equality and whilst we are not perfect, we have inspirational women on our Board and in our senior leadership roles. We recently published our pay bands and every person in the company knows what the other earns, all the way up to and including the MD.
“It makes me proud and gives me hope for the future.”
Looking Forward: Strengthening Women’s Voices in Landscape Architecture
As these reflections show, women bring essential perspectives to landscape architecture, influencing everything from workplace culture to site design and strategic decision-making. Progress has been made, but representation, especially in leadership, must continue to grow to ensure a more equitable and inclusive profession.
On International Women’s Day, we not only celebrate the achievements of women in landscape architecture but also recognize that work still has to be done. By fostering mentorship, championing diverse voices, and advocating for gender equity, we can create a profession where every individual has the opportunity to shape the landscapes of the future.
