Happy International Women’s Day! This annual celebration highlights the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while promoting equality and gender parity.

We’re celebrating all week by interviewing some of our brilliant women team members who have helped make PJA the success it is today. We ask about their career paths and achievements as well as their advice for women starting out on their careers.

First up is Annabel Keegan, Associate in our placemaking team in our Birmingham office:

What was your career path, how did you get to where you are today? 

I studied a BA in Architecture at the University of Liverpool, and then on graduation was offered a position in a transport planning team in a large multi-disciplinary consultancy.  Not what I had originally intended (or applied for!), but I accepted and found that I really enjoyed it.  My employer then sponsored me to study part-time for a MA Urban Design, which allowed me to combine these two skills, and develop my passion for street based urban design and placemaking.

What do you think is your greatest achievement within your career to date? 

Over the last few years I have been working with Birmingham City Council and Homes England to develop a masterplan for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village.  This has been a fantastic project, made more exciting by the fact the games will be hosted in my home city.

The speed at which the construction is progressing is amazing; you don’t often get to see the vision you helped to develop take shape so quickly.

The Commonwealth Games has given Birmingham a wonderful opportunity to bring about transformational change in areas including Perry Barr as well as providing a wide-ranging social, economic, cultural and sporting legacy for the whole region.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers? 

Be willing to embrace change.  I’m a big believer in embracing the opportunities presented to you, working hard and making the most of them is really important.

I was made redundant in 2010 from a job I loved, and took on a completely different, new role working in Change Management for a construction company.

I had never done anything like it before, but embraced the challenge, gained some new qualifications and learnt a lot of useful skills which have been transferable to my current job.  I think the ability to embrace change and make the most of it in the job market is of utmost importance.

For more information on our placemaking services, please contact: [email protected]