Summary
In her article, Despina Stratigakos examines Hollywood’s persistent portrayal of architects as idealized white men, often intelligent, creative, and morally upright. These characters, from classics like The Fountainhead to modern films like (500) Days of Summer, reinforce a narrow stereotype that excludes women and people of color. Stratigakos argues that this idealized image reflects and perpetuates real-world biases in the architecture profession, where white men still dominate the upper ranks. Hollywood’s erasure of diverse architects, she suggests, both mirrors and sustains the barriers others face in gaining recognition and visibility. By repeatedly romanticizing a singular archetype, film limits the public’s understanding of who architects are and who can become one. Stratigakos calls for broader, more inclusive representations that reflect the diverse reality of the profession and help break down long-standing stereotypes in both media and practice.
Critical response
Despina Stratigakos’s critique of Hollywood’s portrayal of architects as white men resonates deeply with the ongoing reality of the profession. Despite efforts toward inclusivity, architecture is still largely perceived—and often practiced—as a male-dominated field. I’ve experienced this personally. After a few years in interior design, I decided to pursue architecture, but I struggled with imposter syndrome. The dominant image of the “real” architect didn’t look like me, and for a long time, I subconsciously accepted the idea that I might never truly be an architect—only someone who works around architecture. Stratigakos’s argument highlights how media representations aren’t harmless; they shape cultural perceptions and reinforce professional hierarchies. When architecture is repeatedly portrayed as a man’s world, it quietly pushes others to the margins. We need more diverse, visible role models—in media and in practice—to shift this perception and make space for broader definitions of who belongs in architecture.
White male of Modern American Architecture
We can say with certainty that Frank Lloyd Wright was America’s favorite architect during the mid-20th century. He was featured in House Beautiful more than six times, and the entire November 1955 issue was devoted to him. Several articles described his architecture in great detail, praising his masterful handling of spatial planning, integration with the landscape, and visionary style. One article particularly caught my attention: it was titled “One Man’s House.” Not one family’s house—but one man’s. This framing suggests that Wright’s architecture was seen as best suited for men, constructing the image of a cultured, intellectual figure in need of a private retreat for reflection and solitude. This portrayal stands in stark contrast to the image of women in House Beautiful, whose interests were largely confined to domesticity and interior decoration. Interestingly, the article “One Man’s House” was written by a woman, revealing the complex gender dynamics at play in architectural discourse.
Figure 1 One man`s image created by woman
“House Beautiful December 1946 p. 186”
original caption
Women in contemporary architecture
Marianne McKenna and Shirley Blumberg, founding partners of Toronto-based KPMB Architects, have been awarded the 2025 Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Gold Medal, the organization’s highest honor recognizing individuals whose work and influence have made an enduring contribution to Canadian architecture. McKenna is celebrated for her ability to create architecture that resonates with culture, community, and the arts, leading projects such as the transformation of The Royal Conservatory of Music, including Koerner Hall in Toronto, and the expansion of Toronto’s historic Massey Hall. Blumberg is known for her commitment to socially responsible architecture, contributing to projects like the Fort York Branch Library and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Both architects have been recognized for their design sensitivity, technical excellence, and foresight in sustainability. The RAIC Gold Medal will be formally presented at the RAIC Conference on Architecture in June 2025.
Figure 2 Outstanding achievements by outstanding women
https://www.archdaily.com/1029245/marianne-mckenna-and-shirley-blumberg-awarded-the-2025-raic-gold-medal-by-the-royal-architectural-institute-of-canada?ad_campaign=normal-tag
I would be deeply interested in reading more about the contributions of women architects to 20th-century architectural history, particularly given their involvement—often overlooked—in the development of the modern movement. Despite their talent and dedication, women were significantly underrepresented during this period and frequently not taken seriously within the profession. Many faced the difficult choice between pursuing a career and fulfilling societal expectations around family life. While progress has been made, and today women have greater opportunities to engage in architecture and a broader range of professional fields, the historical gender imbalance continues to shape the discourse. Personally, I maintain a list of women architects whose work I find particularly inspiring, and I believe their projects deserve broader recognition both in academia and in public awareness. Highlighting their stories is crucial not only for honoring their legacy but also for challenging enduring biases within architectural history and practice.