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Women in Leadership
Name: Carleigh Westwell
Role: Associate Director (DHA Design)
Company: DHA
A bit about you: 35-year-old part time mum and qualified Town Planner/Urban Designer who manages the in-house drawing team at DHA.
What is it like working in your company? Supportive, enjoyable, challenging, and creative.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? A love for Art, Graphic Design and Geography in equal measure which Town Planning merged beautifully. (Ms Dixon told me about it initially).
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? A degree and masters in Town and Country Planning (University of Manchester) and a post graduate degree in Urban Design (University of Westminster). I joined the practice straight out of university with a large amount of varied office experience but no Town Planning experience.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? Designing where people live.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? Working in a male dominated environment but opportunities are never denied if you work hard.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? It is important in every industry. I design masterplans that are shaped around the way people live their lives and half of those people are women. An urban designer must facilitate, direct, and organise a large number of professionals which I believe strongly are traits all women possess and excel at.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path? Seek experience wherever you can find it during summer months (if at university) whether it be public Council or private consultancy as both provide good but varied experience.
