Lynda Simmons

Lynda Simmons is a New Zealand architect and academic, and is a professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland. Simmons was a co-founder of the Architecture + Women NZ association. Simmons's research focuses on design processes in art practices, and the uncovering of "invisible histories" in the New Zealand architectural community. She was made a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 2013, and was awarded a President's Award in 2014 for her advocacy work.

Career

Simmons graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor in Architecture in 1987. She describes being determined not to reduce her teaching or practice hours when she had children, but instead worked at home at night, and taught carrying a baby in a frontpack. She has observed that many women find it necessary to leave large practices and work in sole practice from home in order to raise a family. Only when their children are older are they able to rejoin and be promoted in the larger firms. She is a professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland. Her research focuses on design processes in art practices, the interaction of architecture and sociology, and the uncovering of "invisible histories" in the New Zealand architectural community. Her co-founders were Sarah Treadwell, Julie Wilson and Megan Rule.

Simmons stepped down as co-chair of the organisation in 2019, but is still involved as research and policy leader and archivist. She received a President's Award from the institute in 2014. The award acknowledged her contribution to "events and initiatives examining the current situation of women in New Zealand architecture. The programme, together with the Architecture + Women database and website, with which Lynda has also been closely involved, has raised the professional profile of women architects and fostered collegial relationships among them, and ensured that gender issues in New Zealand architecture are given consideration." 2005 NZIA Local Award (Residential category) 2004 NZIA Regional Award (Heritage category)

Selected works