Kristine Anderson talks about diversity in residential architecture and being a leader in the field
When I look back at how the field of architecture has evolved, especially in terms of gender diversity, I’m heartened by the changes I’ve witnessed – and been part of. One of the most meaningful shifts has been the growing number of women entering architecture schools, joining firms, and stepping into leadership roles. There’s a much broader awareness now that diverse voices enrich the design process. We’re seeing real proof that different perspectives lead to better, more thoughtful outcomes.
Culturally, I think we’ve reached a turning point where women entering technical and design-oriented fields is not just accepted but encouraged. There’s stronger support from society, schools, and professional organizations to help women feel empowered in areas like STEM and design. And within the workplace, having visible female leaders and strong mentorship networks has made a significant difference. We’ve seen time and again that diverse teams produce better results – and that awareness has really helped shift long-standing attitudes.
Valued mentors
When people ask me about breaking through in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field, I honestly don’t frame my career that way. I’ve always been aware that some professions skew more male or female, but I’ve never focused on that as a barrier. When I interviewed for what would become my final job interview, I told Lars Peterssen – who would later become my business partner – that I was looking for a ‘work home’. A place where I could be challenged but also challenge back. Where I could listen, learn, take risks, and be supported. I was the first employee at that firm, and that mantra guided my path. I was Managing Principal from 2019 to 2025, and now as we reset the firm, we have three owners – each of us serving as Design Principals, each with a different lens through which we lead.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who shaped how I think and work. In undergrad, studio professor Jennifer Yoos pushed me to think critically about design. In grad school, Renee Cheng offered a framework for understanding process in a deeper way. Leffert Tigelaar helped me understand the value – and the beauty – of details. And of course, Lars, who started out as my boss and became my partner, gave me steady support and honest, constructive feedback. All these voices guided me and helped form the foundation of who I am as a design principal and a leader. Their generosity with their time and wisdom inspires how I mentor others today.
Inclusive culture
Inclusive cultureI’ve seen the power of diversity firsthand at PKA. One project that really stands out was a multi-generational family home. Our team brought such a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives to the table – across design, project management, and more – and it made a real impact. We were able to thoughtfully balance modern design with traditional comforts and create spaces that felt intuitive and inclusive to everyone in the family. Diversity isn’t just a concept – it’s something you can feel in the outcome of the work when the process is truly collaborative.
At PKA, we define success around inclusion not by metrics or quotas, but by the everyday signals we observe: Are people speaking up and being heard? Do team members feel they can bring their full selves to work? Are projects reflecting a range of voices and ideas? We’re lucky to have a team that is organically diverse – in gender, in background, in life experience – and what we focus on is nurturing a culture where that diversity flourishes. When we see more curiosity, more collaboration, and more nuance in our projects, we know we’re heading in the right direction.
Beyond mentorship, retaining diverse talent comes down to building a place where people feel seen, supported, and able to grow. That means flexibility, open communication, and real opportunities for development. It means ensuring that all voices are part of the conversation – and that people can truly envision a future for themselves here. That’s the kind of culture we work hard to foster at PKA, and it’s one of the most important investments we make in our firm’s future.
Kristine Anderson is Associate AIA Design principal at PKA Architecture. For Kristine, architecture is storytelling. Whether she is designing a stunning organic modern home in Arizona, a luxurious condominium overlooking the Mississippi River or a cozy family cabin in northern Wisconsin, Kristine always creates a profound and beautiful connection between the homeowners and the natural environment.