Women reshaping architecture

Women are playing a growing role in Fiji’s architectural and construction sector, with TropicX Design Studio employing 11 women across key roles.

This includes roles across architecture, interior design, project administration, and finance and administration at TropicX Design Studio, which are helping challenge long-held perceptions of the construction industry.

That change is evident at TropicX Design Studio, a registered architectural practice with offices in Nadi and Sydney.

Operations manager Mulan Kamoe said the construction industry has long been regarded as a male-dominated profession, but women are steadily reshaping the sector through creativity, technical

expertise and leadership.

The firm employs 11 women across architecture, interior design, project administration, fi-nance, and administration. Eight are members of the design team, representing both iTaukei and Indo-Fijian backgrounds.

She said each woman brought different perspectives and experiences that strengthened the firm’s work.

“Every architect’s journey begins differently,” Ms Kamoe said.

“For some, a love of drawing and creativity naturally evolved into a passion for designing spaces. Others discovered architecture through family influences in the

construction industry or by taking a chance on a university course that became a lifelong career.”

She said despite their different paths, they all shared a passion for creating spaces that improve people’s lives.

“Architecture offers the perfect balance between creativity and problem-solving. It allows ideas on paper to become homes, schools, workplaces, resorts and public spaces that people experience every day.”

Ms Kamoe said many women had entered a profession traditionally dominated by men and initially felt the need to prove their knowledge and capability.

Whether working on construction sites, attending consultant meetings or coordinating with contractors, they earned trust through technical competence, confidence and professionalism.

She said those experiences be-came opportunities for growth rather than barriers.

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