Hannah Eisen - Bass Coast Council Shire

Degree in Interior Design, Degree in Architecture, Masters in Architecture, Diploma in Project Management.

Currently undertaking a Diploma of Governance and a Fellowship.

When and why did you get interested in STEM?
At age 5 I wanted to become an architect. I hated Barbies but loved Lego. I grew with a grandpa who was one of Melbourne’s best Mid Century architects, he created beautiful spaces and buildings that were timeless and elegant. I was in his office every day as a kid, fascinated by the hand drawn renders, pencils on desks, plans with yellow trace and scribble over the top and cardboard models that were on the desks. I took it for granted having so much creative inspiration around me.

When I got into RMIT to study I was fascinated by how I could use 3D technology and software to design as well as laser print my buildings so I was working smarter not harder. You could test ideas in 3D so easily with this software, it was amazing. 

What do you love about your job?

I love that I am helping to build and create spaces for the community to use. The Cowes Cultural and Community Centre, for example, will be the second public building to be Passive House Design and Certified in Australia. It will be a legacy building that that will contribute to more sustainable infrastructure in our community. That’s something I am proud of.  

Do you think it is important for more women to work in STEM?

According to the World Economic Forum, female students and employees are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Architecture and Construction. Gender inequality is a huge problem in most countries around the world and, besides the economic disparity of men and women (men earn 17 per cent more than women do even if they're doing the same job), a lack of women in STEM roles brings huge disadvantages to businesses overall. There are growing opportunities for women to enter this field, not just for equal representation but it has been proven to make a big impact of the industry as well as company profits. 

Women make up only 2 per cent of workers in Australian Construction. It has always been a male dominated industry that needs to change. Women have been proven to improve team performance, offer fresh ideas and play a crucial role in eliminating the challenges for the next generation. Women in senior roles like mine can also serve as a resource to the younger generation by inspiring them in what ever career they choose.  Beyond diversity, women are important to the future of innovation. As the world evolves, we still find that many of these inventions are catered to and designed for men, which ultimately leaves a significant portion of society’s needs out of consideration. This is where the role of women comes in – they play an important one in ensuring that the needs of all in society are represented.

What is one thing government/schools/organisations could do to increase the number of women working in STEM?

Most girls lose interest in STEM during their teenage years, it's usually around age 15 we see the decline. We need to be reaching girls before they start losing interest. We could do this by partnering with organisations and industry professionals to engage with the girls about their opportunities. Another way would be to establish visible role models in the community and encourage female interest by featuring women who are in these fields of work to show that it is possible to have a career in it.

In my industry, I found the balance where I am free to able to use my natural curiosity and offer creative solutions to problems. Particularly at the Cultural Centre, I work with consultants across so many industries and teams that are developing the next-generation of construction methods, technology and innovative design thinking so there are always opportunities to learn and contribute to solutions. Without question this is a field for people who are intellectually curious. Females have made huge progress since I began my journey; we are making history and smashing glass ceilings in all areas of work and life. We need to keep that momentum going strong. We need to encourage girls to speak up, to ask questions, to believe that by seeking the answers to the mysteries around them, they can become the problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Name a woman who inspires you, who has worked, or is working in the STEM field – and why do you admire her?

Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi born British Architect who designed a lot of famous buildings. I received her book when I was 14 and was so inspired by her work; that fact that she established her own company - Zaha Hadid Architects, in 1979 was so cool to me. She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, in 2004. She also received the Stirling Prize in 2010 and 2011. She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II but unfortunately died in 2016. 

Zaha Hadid was an architect known for her radical futuristic architecture which show curving facades, sharp angles and severe materials. She pushed boundaries and showed the next generation of women anything was possible, particularly with the use of computer technology. She embraced virtual reality to the extent that her practice set up its own dedicated Virtual Reality group that use Virtual Reality systems that you just can’t do in the physical world. For example, she pushed the boundaries for being able to scale buildings down and up and toggle between scales to help bypass the process of having to make physical model. She was a constant driver of highly specialised design solutions and technological innovations. Among these revolutionary developments the office led the early adoption and transition to a fully digitised 3D design process. 

This year’s IWD theme is around innovation and new technology – what is one prediction you have for future technology and how it will impact our lives?

I think a big change will be around Climate Change Predictive Software. Climate change affects the environment where buildings exist, and therefore, will affect the way the buildings themselves perform. New software allows architects to predict the way that differences in climate will affect a building before it is ever made. This enables architects to create more flexible, durable structures. Using specialised software tools, architects can create buildings that will last longer and function better over a period of decades. 

What advice would you give to your 12-year-old self in terms of pursuing a career in technology and science?

I would say that you shouldn’t let fear get in the way. Try new things and prepare to get out of your comfort zone while also feeling anxious … I still do. 
If someone tells you that it won’t work or you shouldn’t go down that path, don’t listen if it is something you are passionate and excited about. 

These types of career paths can allow you to see the world, meet like-minded people and be part of something bigger. By pursuing my chosen career I have been able to see things I may not have had the opportunities to see, I have lived in Sweden due to a scholarship I never thought was possible which allowed me to visit some amazing buildings and learn a lot. I have designed a disability day care centre in Vietnam that is now built and helping rehabilitate children affected by agent orange. I have helped my local sports club renovate their clubrooms which has allowed me to meet some pretty awesome people. I have been able to contribute to my community in a positive way to keep us relevant and up to date with changing times.  I think I would say, don’t let anyone stop you, don’t doubt yourself and dream big because what’s the worst that can happen.