Helping Architectural Practices retain female talent

Who I am

My name is Nicola West, and I am a transformational coach with over 40 years of lived experience as an Architectural Technologist. I own a small architectural practice, have been an associate, and managed projects. I have worked in all types of practice and all types of building projects. I consider architecture to be my vocation. I love seeing a building come to life from my drawings, collaborating on design teams, and solving problems. (Maybe because I have a technologist’s brain!)

I was a member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for many years. After being elected to the CIAT Council representing the South-east Region, I was elected to the first-ever CIAT Executive Board.

In my career, I have silently quit a few practices, and there were times when I wanted to leave the profession. There was always a good reason why I silently quit. Bullying, being overlooked, overwhelm, stress, or lack of support. Each time I walked away, I felt as though I had left a little piece of me behind. But I always healed and came back stronger.

I know I am not the only one. We all know what it is like to work in a male-dominated, high-pressure environment.

Sometimes it’s hard to speak out, even to friends and colleagues, for fear of reprisals or of not looking professional. Why not speak to me? in confidence

Throughout my career, I have championed female professionals. My dissertation was on recruiting women into the construction industry. I was the CIAT representative at the CIC equal opportunities task force. I have been a judge at the WICE Awards, judging Best Architectural Technologist. At the reception for the WICE Awards, standing in a room with 200 other female construction professionals blew my mind. Sometimes being in the minority makes you forget how many outstanding female professionals we have in the construction industry.

So I decided to train as a transformational coach. My approach centres on connecting with your positive visions and aspirations, rather than simply reacting to problems. Transformative coaching goes deeper than traditional coaching, drawing power from your dreams and goals. When change is powered by what you want most, it lasts.

My vision is to change the architectural profession – one female at a time.

My credentials

Associate Member of the Institute of Coaching

CPCAB Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills

Accredited Diploma in Transformative Coaching- Animas Centre for Coaching - Completing accredition

Former Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT)

40 years lived experience in architecture

If my story resonates with you. Drop me a message below and let’s chat