To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, which takes place today (8 March), BE News is running a series of interviews with inspirational women who work across the built environment sector
Name: Matilda Aghabeigi
Job title: Architectural technologist at Stride Treglown
What I do: I work within the education sector on schools, providing technical delivery of projects from conception to completion while ensuring they comply with regulations. Alongside my primary role as a technologist, I work with key stakeholders in guiding Stride Treglown’s environmental social governance (ESG) and sustainability strategy.
Why I got into the property industry: It’s an industry that presents many different opportunities for growth and development. From an architectural perspective, there is immense satisfaction when your work makes a positive, lasting impression that exceeds your lifespan for generations to come.
How I did it: Grit, hard-work, and perseverance. That, with a sprinkle of motivation to better yourself every day will do wonders!
My first proper job: I suppose this if we are not counting my placement year! I was offered a graduate role at Stride Treglown after graduating in 2021. Following my promotion to my current role in 2022, I have been with the company ever since.
My first big break: 2020 – my placement year when I secured a job in an architecture firm in New York City, USA. It was my first time living in another country with no prior connections in the USA. Not only did I fulfil my dream of working in the States, but that year abroad allowed me to do a lot of self-discovery. The experience instilled a greater level of independence I was not aware I was lacking. In that relatively short period in my life, I grew both professionally and personally and made memories that will last a lifetime.
My inspiration(s): My mum. And those I have encountered in my life who have faced adversity yet continued to pursue their dreams and succeeded.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Professionally, learning how to navigate the industry as a young woman from an ethnic minority.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My first-class honours degree. And the professional reputation that I am trying to establish.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it is an industry led by men where there is no room for women to succeed in.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The things that matter – say, saving the world from global warming – do not take priority. The built environment is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse emissions. And although there is a shift towards sustainable design, it’s still too slow for this change to be impactful. In all cases, the need for action surpasses the industry’s current approach.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: As a woman from an ethnic minority currently working in the construction industry, I feel proud to be in a position where I can enforce EDI and be an inspiration to others.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Given my current involvement within ESG, I would like to broaden my role and learn more about business management to establish my own practice that specialises in sustainable innovation. Thankfully, my role as a technologist draws from a variety of skills and attributes so that I can become a jack of all trades!
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Oprah Winfrey – she overcame many hardships and is now one of the most successful women in the world. Ben E. King and Tracy Chapman – to jam out to my favourite songs: Stand By Me and Fast Car. George Lucas – I need to know how his imagination led to Star Wars.
What I do in my downtime: Pilates, reading and coffee dates with friends and family.
The job I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this: An artist or astronomer. I’ve always found peace in art and practised religiously as a child, but I am a real nerd for anything space-related.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t be afraid! Fear will hold you back in life. Ask those questions, learn from your mistakes, and share your passions – push yourself out of your comfort zone.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you: Although there are times when I must be louder to have my voice heard, to work harder, and be smarter than the rest of the room, this day reminds me that we, as a society, are heading in the right direction to inspire equality, diversity and inclusivity across the world. It is a day where all women are valued.
