Juliane Stange - Architect at HI Bauprojekt GmbH

What do you like most about your job?

As an architect, I am responsible for a wide variety of planning activities. I appreciate the variety of projects, whether large or small ones. For me it’s, and it is always a great experience to be part of these projects.

I am also interested in working with clients who have no idea of what their new building will look like. The challenge is to develop the first ideas and to create a concept with the client to find a combination between the customers’ requirements and my ideas. The best way for me is planning and supervising a project as an architect from start to finish, which means from the first idea, the first sketches to completion and handover to the client.

Can you name any person or company that has influenced you in your professional life?

Indeed, there are some famous architects, German and international ones - such as Zaha Hadid and Le Corbusier - I admire what they have designed and built. In addition, I also like their magnificent works and how they succeed despite adverse conditions.

But these are not real role models for me. My parents inspired me a lot. In fact, both of them have worked in the field of civil engineering. You could say that I grew up with touch points to architecture and construction. That is what also inspired me to start my studies in architecture. Although my mother, also an architect advised me not to become an architect, because she knew that it is a very challenging and often hard job.

In fact, she also knew that there are so many architects in Germany. Currently there are more than 130,000 members in the Chambers of Architects.

Have you ever been confronted with prejudices in your job? 

Fortunately, I have not experienced any prejudices so far.

Except for the fact that as a young woman and as a job newcomer in the field of construction especially the craftsmen sometimes "looked at you from an angle" - according to "...and now she wants to tell us what and how we have to do what...". I could tell you some funny stories. But that was never a discrimination statement or a personal attack, but rather amusing.

Which skills are required to succeed in a male-dominated business?

The most important aspect is to believe in yourself and in what you can achieve.

Unfortunately, as a woman you often have to prove that you can do the same work in the same way. You need to be self-confident, have your own opinion and stand up for it even in difficult times and at the same time keep being friendly and authentic. These characteristics and skills are very important in all professions and industries. It’s not always easy, especially in difficult circumstances and under pressure.

How do you generally see the opportunities for women who apply for jobs in a technical environment? What career opportunities do you see for them, especially in the engineering sector?

In my opinion there are good career opportunities for women. For instance, many employees in the field of architecture and construction will retire in the next years.

Furthermore, the German economy needs more female employees. First of all, women who are well educated and who can combine technical understanding with female intuition are highly required. That is what counts in the field of planning. The client wants to feel understood and integrated in the project.