Name: Katia Polidoro
Title: Principal director, tp bennett
What I do: I work on a wide range of projects in the UK and internationally, ranging from large-scale masterplanning and regeneration schemes to architecture and interior design. I also lead tp bennett’s mentoring programme and collaborate with external London-based organisations campaigning for equality and diversity including research with the LSE Centre for Women, Peace, and Security gender inequalities in architecture design.
Why I got into the property industry: Studying architecture allowed me to combine everything I liked: art, literature, history, and science. My upbringing gave me a strong sense of social commitment and with it, the will to make an impact on the built environment and the world in general. My calling is to create beautiful inclusive places to live in and workplaces that are fair and inclusive.
How I did it: I studied architecture in Rome La Sapienza and in London with the Erasmus Scholarship, a brilliant European study exchange programme that has sadly ceased following Brexit.
My first proper job: My first job in the UK was with David Chipperfield Architects where I worked on Antony Gormley’s studio in Camden. There, I learnt the importance of the partnership between client and architect to deliver a vision with consistency and quality. I also learnt the joy of working as part of a team as well as the incredible number of hours needed to craft the perfect design solution. Antony Gormley was absolutely brilliant, a real inspiration and kind man, which helps!
My first big break: My first big break came 20 years ago when I was thrown into the deep end on a major project. An international client wanted a creative ‘Italian’ architect from London to work on their Italian portfolio. I was only a young architect but I was given the trust and support to lead and build a great relationship with the client and their international team. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to progress so fast and so confidently, something I constantly remind myself of when evaluating how I lead my team.
My inspiration(s): I admire all the women that bring empathy to the property and construction industry and work to make it a more inclusive place. There are many, but for example, Sue Brown at Real Estate Balance has been tirelessly championing diversity in our industry, always being herself, opinionated, kind and with a good sense of humour. I admire how she leads from the front with positivity and strength.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered has been ‘moving up the career ladder’. I’ve experienced many obstacles and at times felt particularly isolated. However, I have demonstrated that you can conquer these barriers and since then, have been involved in multiple initiatives to help others in our industry overcome this challenge. I try and hope that I am an approachable role model for everyone, regardless of gender.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: I am most proud of having delivered town centre regeneration developments that are accessible to everyone. Community is at the heart of these projects. High Street Quarter in Hounslow is a really good example of what I imagine a successful town centre regeneration to be. I really enjoy revisiting these places and it gives me a real sense of pride to see our designs working and people enjoying these spaces. The mentoring programmes I have established are also an achievement I’m particularly proud of. Mentoring has been invaluable in getting to where I am today, and it is so important for me to provide my colleagues with a similar springboard where they can maximise and develop their skills.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: There are many positive aspects of the property industry. If there is one thing that I hope to change, it would be the lack of diversity. People really need to understand how diversity is a major asset for their business, their people and society as a whole. I am a big advocate for collaborative work, and I can say from experience that embracing diversity has helped my team and I achieve much greater things.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: It is a misconception that the industry is a man’s world, or just for those that are tough and come from largely privileged backgrounds. This is definitely no longer a true reflection of the industry, and we have to challenge this misconception. The industry is changing rapidly, and we need to hear more consistently from diverse voices to support this. More work needs to be done at primary and secondary level especially, to contest these misconceptions and nurture those from more challenging backgrounds.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: The built environment is for real people and therefore must be designed by a fair representation of the society it is being delivered for. It is the only way to capture the real issues we are asked to resolve. A diverse workforce is simply better, more resilient and more successful. A fair society is a society with less conflict and where everybody can have the same opportunities to thrive and contribute.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like to be part of a truly diverse industry, where we no longer have to worry about filling quotas!
What I do in my downtime: I have recently taken up rowing, and I absolutely love it! I have always been curious about it but never tried. This really demonstrates that if you want to try something, it’s never too late and you should go for it! When I row, this is one of the only times where I truly switch off completely. It’s such a wonderful feeling and a privilege to be able to do it.
My advice for someone just starting out: Build a strong network. It is essential for progressing in your career, but also gives you a multitude of perspectives about the sector.
My motto/mantra: Not a motto as such, but one philosophy I firmly believe in is that if you have had the privilege of a stable and secure background like mine, it is important to make a conscious effort to improve society around you.
