Austin Women in Architecture

In 1975, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conducted a national task force on women in architecture which resulted in a publication of a task force report and an affirmative action plan. In 1980, the national AIA contacted the local AIA chapter and requested a task group for women to be instituted. Local female architects like Sheron Smith Savage, Laura Montllor, Laurie Limbracher, Karen McGraw and Natalie De Blois were the forerunners of the organization.

By 1981, the group grew to include minorities as well as women and was known as Women and Minorities in Architecture. This group became very vocal and was successful at nominating its own slate of minority officers at the local AIA Annual Business Meeting in the Fall of 1981. Women and Minorities in Architecture was also responsible for initiating the selection process that requires at least three minority/and or women business firms to be contacted for City of Austin bid contracts; a requirement still in effect today.

In April 1983, the group took the necessary steps to become an autonomous official organization. It was decided to seek collaboration with the local AIA chapter, Texas Society of Architects, and the University of Texas at Austin on specific projects by pooling financial assistance.

On September 19, 1983, a meeting was held at which the by-laws were adopted and the board was incorporated. The organization formally adopted the name Austin Women in Architecture AWA). The following week a membership meeting was held at which dues were collected and officers were elected.

Since its inception, AWA has hosted several Architectural Registration Exam seminars, including the mock site exam. The AWA also hosted its first exhibit of women's work in arts and architecture in 1985 entitled "Scopes and Scales of Design." Denise Scott Brown, renowned architect of Venturi, Rauch, and Scott Brown, has been the guest speaker at two AWA programs in separate years.

From the guide to the Austin Women in Architecture Records, 1983-1986 AR. Z. 011., 1983-1986, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, )