Juliet Hook paves the way for women in Architecture

Our new series highlights the exceptional women who contribute to the success of KSS. The architectural and construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but there has been a notable rise in the representation and progression of women in this sector. At KSS, we are proud of our diverse workforce. 42% of our workforce and 50% of our architectural staff are women. With a solid commitment to inclusivity, we will continue attracting, retaining, and nurturing female talent.

Juliet Hook, Associate Director, leads the KSS Education Sector and is instrumental in championing equality and fostering recognition within our organisation.

Find out what inspired Juliet to pursue a career in architecture and learn about her unique career path and professional journey.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture?
Growing up, my family often explored historic houses and buildings, which I found genuinely captivating. A family member encouraged me to pursue architecture as it combined my passions for art and technical drawing, the two subjects I most enjoyed and showed an aptitude for at school.

What have the significant challenges been working in Architecture?
While studying architecture, the emphasis is primarily on the design and aesthetics of buildings, but architecture is so much more than that. We need to stay on top of the standards, regulations and processes that play a significant role in our profession. As the profession has evolved over the past three decades of my career in architecture, these aspects have become a greater part of what we do. Balancing the creative design process with the necessary bureaucratic requirements can be challenging.

Is there anything else you like to achieve in your career?
I am very fortunate to work in a sector I enjoy, as you know you are making a difference. Working in the education sector is very rewarding in terms of the buildings you are working on and the people you work with. What we do influences students & teachers day-to-day lives.  There is always more to do though.

Personally I believe we need to create educational buildings and facilities that align more closely with how young people now learn and engage. From a project perspective, we need to look at how we design schools to facilitate this, however that requires a shift in how we teach and the curriculum. It’s not something that can happen in isolation and is a wider piece that needs to be developed. School design needs to keep up with technology and student engagement with learning.

What project are you most proud of?
All the school projects I have worked on have been a valuable experience. Returning to schools to engage with teachers and students goes beyond the physical structure, if you have created a building that makes the teachers and students feel comfortable in, its uplifting rather than run-down, contributing to everyone’s overall wellbeing and hopefully enhances their education experience.

What would you say to any women with aspirations to join the industry?
It’s a rewarding career that requires passion, readiness for hard work, preparation to learn continually, comprehension of the industry’s mechanisms and effective communication with diverse individuals and being a people person. It’s one of the most collaborative and rewarding professions.

What would surprise us about you?
I once aspired to be the first female Red Arrow pilot! I received my initial flying instruction at 15, but quickly realised being a fighter pilot would require a level of determination and skill far beyond my abilities.  There still hasn’t been a female Red Arrow pilot, there are at least now female fighter pilots.

If you would like to get in touch with Juliet, please email [email protected]