Profile of Architect Damaris Hollingsworth: Hothouse transplant

Photo credit: Susan Schaefer

The soaring atrium at the heart of architectural firm DLR Group’s downtown Minneapolis office is the perfect setting for the firm’s newest addition – architect and client leader, Damaris Hollingsworth, AIA, LEED AP, who exudes the energy and warmth of her native Brazil. But in spite of her tropical background, Hollingsworth is no shrinking violet.

She proudly tells how she has made a demanding journey as a black girl growing up in the inner city of Sao Paulo, with limited educational opportunities, through the rigors and ranks to become an accomplished architect in the United States. In a field predominantly populated with white male leaders, this is no small feat.

Anyone familiar with the architecture field understands its exacting academics and strict industry licensing requirements, with countless professional exams required to advance. And there’s the infamous tempered (itals mine) glass ceiling. More than many professions, architecture has been a traditionally boys game. Nevertheless, Hollingsworth has her sharp eye firmly on the prize of earning leadership status.

As co-chair for the AIA (American Institute of Architects) MN Women in Architecture Committee, she has plenty of opportunity not only to discuss the gender leadership gap, but also to lead the charge to close it. “In my profession women and men enter at about the same rate – men at 52% and women at 48%,” she explains. “But as the path toward leadership and the C-suite progresses, the rate for women drops drastically.” Many of the biases entail “lots of after hour’s events and old boy style networking.” Yet, even with an active and engaged two-year-old, she is not going to let those obstacles stand in the way to her path to the top.

After nearly ten years at a previous firm, she is pleased with the flexibility and opportunities presented by DLR. Her direct supervisor is a female senior associate and she notes that many female managers surround her. But Hollingsworth believes in co-equity. “I know this isn’t an either or game,” she states. “For women to rise in the ranks of any field, men have to support them. For people of color to thrive, white people have to support them. I believe in making allies.”

She has made quite a few already. Not only is she co-chairing the Women in Architecture Committee, she is an active member of its Diversity Task Force, and co-author of that group’s 2015 Diversity Task Force Report. Most recently, she has been asked to join the Strategic Resource Team for AIA MN, and she is competing to be named one of the top 40 under 40 in Building Design + Construction’sprestigious industry magazine. Damaris Hollingsworth is a tour de force.

What is most striking is the pure joy she exudes for her work. She loves the gamut of what it takes to be a great architect – not wanting to be narrow cast as a project manager or designer, she revels in the field’s entire lifecycle. “Master architects did it all – listened to the clients, responded to their needs, designed the right solutions, and oversaw the process. This is what I love to do.” And she’s thrilled to ply her trade in Downtown Minneapolis.

Having joined DLR’s Nicollet Mall location in January, Hollingsworth is exploring the downtown via what she calls, the veins of city – the skyway.  “I come from a vibrant metropolis where everyone walks and takes public transportation everywhere. At first, I wondered, ‘Where is everyone?’ and then I discovered the thriving skyway society. I love it. Everyone walking with purpose and determination!” She’s eager to see the cityscape come alive as well, once warm weather brings people to the streets. “I want to take the trains, explore the library, all that this city has to offer.”

Be sure to watch for this vibrant young professional as she lights up our downtown with the pure power of her personality.

Susan Schaefer can be reached at susan@millcitymedia.org.