An Ipswich couple has set up a sustainable building project that aims to bring more women into the construction industry.
Kat and Fiona Parsons launched Female Design & Build Project with the goal to showcase the talents of women in the sector.
The couple bought a house in Gosbeck, which they aim to renovate with a team that consists only of women power.
Kat Parsons said: “My wife Fiona and I have backgrounds in the construction industry and are acutely aware that women are underrepresented in the industry, hence the desire to promote gender equality and showcase the talent of women in the construction industry, on our small-scale project.
“Hopefully, helping to dispel misconceptions about gender-specific roles, encourage girls and women into the industry, empower women and promote a more gender-equal workforce."
Mrs Parsons added that their dream is to “spotlight and highlight women role models for the next generations”.
The first task for the duo was to make the house liveable after its previous owner resided in the property for over 70 years.
This included undertaking carpet laying, plastering, plumbing, electrics, flooring and decorating using their own experience and DIY skills.
The team has a phenomenal architect on board, as Laura Jane Clark from Channel 4’s ‘Your Home Made Perfect’ agreed to create the concept design for the house.
The homeowners said: “The concept design created will then pass to a local female architect(s) to take forward through detailed design to planning ready for starting construction in summer 2023.”
The house is now under the wings of KLH Architects Ltd, a company that stands out because of its higher-than-average female employment percentage.
Lucy Godden, an associate at KLH Architect said: "When Kat and Fiona first approached KLH about their all-female construction project, I think I cheered out loud!
"The directors recognised this project as a positive step towards diversity within the industry and were keen for us to support Kat and Fiona throughout their journey".
Mrs Parsons said: "The extra dimension to this project is that it is not just about getting women onto the site, it’s about showcasing what companies are doing to attract and retain talented women in the industry."
Kat and Fiona ensure that every business is thoroughly researched to make sure they meet not only the project brief but can also demonstrate commitment to gender equality.
They admit this is a challenge, takes more time and in certain situations is more expensive, but are clear on their aspiration and want to exhaust every avenue to meet their goal of an all-female design and build a team.
Kat and Fiona recently instructed Metra Surveying Ltd to carry out the building survey.
The company has about 50% female/male employees and focuses on giving women equal opportunities for career progression.
Danny Clarke, commercial director for the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has been supporting the project, stating: "This has been a really interesting project to see coming together with its focus of using an all-female project team.
"The reality is though that whilst the number of women entering the industry has increased, it’s still woefully inadequate, particularly when you consider the number within trades, therefore projects like this can help to showcase the roles available and encourage more people to consider a career in construction."
The homeowners said that the next stage of the project is to create a network of women in trades to deliver the construction element ready to break ground in early summer next year.
Kat and Fiona, mums of Laurie, eight, and Rowan, 13, added: "It was a very positive start to our project, which aimed to use an all-female workforce from design to construction.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support so far from other women in the construction industry and feel optimistic we can achieve our objective.
"Looking forward to the next steps, increasing our network of tradeswomen and allies".
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