Newsletter | Jan/Feb 1973


Beverly Willis Speaks

The Women in-Architecture will have their next meeting
Thursday, February 8 at 6:30 PM
LOCATION: The Conference Room of Anshen and Allen's Office,
461 Bush Street, San Francisco, 4th Floor

SPEAKER: Beverly Willis, AIA
SUBJECT:The Profession * The Women * The Problems
All women interested are invited.
For information call: 986-4351 (9-5 weekdays)

ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN ARCHITECTS - S.F. Bay Area
Meeting notes:

I cannot believe that everyone present did not share my enthusiastic response to Beverly Willis enlightening presentation.

After-an interesting and informative slide presentation by Ms. Willis on work she and her firm have done over the years and particularly since last year when her office was --"computerized" the group got down to asking questions. The questions centered on two major subjects: The place of computers and the place of women in the field of architecture. Ms. Willis said she felt her knowledge compiled during years of experience was lost for those who are working in her office, because she is too busy to pass it on to them Now, with the introduction of the computer this knowledge is stored for use by all who are working for her. She is using some commercially available programs,but mostly she is working with her own programs based on data collected in the office throughout the years. Programming is not difficult to learn and most computer manufacturers provide training courses.

When questioned on what she looks for when interviewing applicants As. Willis said she takes all things into account, from spelling to appearance. She said it is important to emphasize one's skills, when applying for a job, in relation to what the firm needs. Ms. Willis suggested finding out whatthe particular firm you are being interviewed by is all about, before the interview, and using that information to your advantage during the interview.

Yes, she said, appearance is important. No blue-jeans, or pantsuits on interviews. Even now, Ms. Willis revealed, she takes care in choosing the proper dress for the proper client and in-fact tries to dress as innocuously as possible to make sure the clients attention is directed towards what she is trying to sell; her services. Above all, Ms. Willis emphasized, have confidence in yourself. If you want "in" into the business world you must be willing to play the game to some degree. Remember the majority of firms, etc., are still run by the establishment.

Several women were interested in how Ms. Willis had overcome the prejudice and discrimination towards women in the field of architecture. Ms. Willis said it is inevitable in life to meet with people who will not respond to you as a person, regardless of sex. It took her several years to realize that some of what she rationalized as discrimination existed in her mind only. Some, but not all. She told of a time when she was appointed to a committee and was very flattered until she realized that all they wanted was her name and not her brain. However, she did not let that intimidate her, fought hard and eventually got things done her way, which fortunately turned out to be the right way. Asked what would have happened had she been wrong, she smiled and said that at that point of her career any mistake would have been fatal.

It is impossible to reiterate all that transpired in the two hour Ms. Willis was with us - next time be there.

ML


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