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To mark International Women’s Day (8th March) and Women in Construction Week (1st to 7th March), CG Fry & Son is celebrating the female professionals driving innovation within the sector.
Leading the conversation is Phillippa Gatehouse, Planning Manager at CG Fry & Son, who is highlighting how diverse perspectives are revolutionising modern placemaking.
Phillippa, 30, from Bridport brings a wealth of experience to her role, holding a geography and anthropology BSC degree from Oxford Brookes University and a planning and development master’s degree from Reading University.
Phillippa said: “My role involves optimising the success of planning applications by collaborating closely with a project team of consultants – including architects, heritage consultants, ecologists and many more. I work within a great team where my director, Mark Chevis, is incredibly supportive. I love the fast-paced nature of construction; there are frequent changes in planning policy and legislation, and the political aspects of the job are fascinating.”
Phillippa’s journey with CG Fry & Son began at age 18, where she worked across different departments to gain a well-rounded overview of the business. “Working with Caroline Hill, Sales and Marketing Director, and hearing a strong female voice so early in my career was very empowering. After university, I worked as a planning consultant for a planning company, which provided invaluable experience. I’m so happy that I’m now doing a job that I feel incredibly passionate about, especially within a company so well-respected in both the planning sector and the wider construction industry.”
She added: “My passion lies in understanding the relationship between people and their surroundings, and how thoughtful design can improve that experience. Historically, city centres and developments were designed by men based on how they assumed women would use them. Today, we take a far more inclusive approach; at CG Fry & Son, we actively design developments that are welcoming, inclusive and that promote social interaction. The amount of time and consideration taken on ensuring high quality design and ‘doing the right thing’ has been so inspiring. You can truly feel that difference on site.
“I consider how different people will feel in a space – from children playing in a park to a woman running alone or friends meeting for coffee. Thinking about our residents ensures we plan the right landscaping and lighting to create welcoming and safe environments. I’m very proud of the work we do in terms of placemaking.”
While planning was a previously male-dominated field, the RTPI State of the Profession 2023 report reveals there is now a gender balance in the younger half of planners under 42 years, showing a real change.
Despite this progress, Phillippa acknowledges the hurdles women still face, including ‘imposter syndrome’ and the experience of occasionally being the only woman in a meeting room. “The number of women in senior leadership roles still needs to grow, but the landscape is changing. Flexible working, strong female voices and networks like Dorset Young Planners and Women in Planning provide amazing support. My advice to women considering this path is to have confidence in your decisions and embrace the role – we need more women in construction and planning.”
Caroline Hill, Sales and Marketing Director at CG Fry & Son, commented: “22.5% of our workforce is female, which is higher than the industry’s 15% average (ONS) – however, we are committed to further improving these figures and ensuring our doors are open to the best talent. Sarah Pilling, our Business Development Manager, collaborates closely with local colleges and schools to ensure the next generation has the guidance and technical skills to thrive in the built environment.”
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Give to Gain, which highlights when individuals, organisations and communities invest in women, then opportunities expand, systems strengthen and societies thrive.
For further details on CG Fry & Son visit www.cgfry.co.uk and for more details on International Women’s Day visit www.internationalwomensday.com