Women in Architecture: Karenna Wilford’s Journey and Vision

Karenna Wilford Architect in East Sussex.

In a field historically dominated by men, the rise of women in architecture is shaping not only buildings but the profession itself. Among these trailblazers is Karenna Wilford, founder and principal of Karenna Wilford Architects (KWA), whose work continues to redefine how we approach design, community and leadership in the built environment.

A Personal Path to Practice

Karenna Wilford’s path into architecture was driven by a deep interest in how spaces affect people’s lives. From her early years of study to launching her own practice, her journey reflects a blend of passion, resilience, and innovation.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between people and place,” Karenna says. “Design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about problem-solving, storytelling and creating environments that work for real lives.”

After qualifying as an architect in the UK, Karenna honed her skills in a range of sectors before founding KWA. Her vision was clear: to build a practice where thoughtful, sustainable design meets community-focused values.

Navigating the Industry as Women in Architecture

Being a woman in architecture still comes with challenges. While progress has been made, female architects in the UK remain underrepresented in senior roles. Karenna acknowledges these realities but sees them as motivation rather than limitation.

“There were definitely moments where I felt underestimated or outnumbered,” she reflects. “But I also found great allies and mentors — and now I’m committed to being that support for others entering the profession.”

Karenna is a vocal advocate for greater diversity in architecture through her own hiring practices, she champions opportunities for young women to thrive in a sector that benefits from a wide range of perspectives.

The Vision Behind KWA

At Karenna Wilford Architects, collaboration, sustainability and human-centered design are more than buzzwords — they’re core principles. Whether working on housing or heritage restorations, Karenna leads with a vision that combines creativity with careful listening.

“Our approach is grounded in empathy,” she explains. “We listen to our clients, understand the context and craft solutions that feel both innovative and rooted.”

Her portfolio reflects this philosophy, with projects that balance technical excellence with a clear sense of place. It’s this thoughtful, inclusive approach that has earned KWA a respected reputation and loyal client base.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring the Next Generation

As Karenna continues to grow her practice, she also looks forward to inspiring future architects — especially women and girls who may not yet see themselves represented in the field.

“We need to make architecture more visible and accessible,” she says. “Whether it’s through education, mentorship, or simply sharing stories, I want young women to know this is a career where they can lead, create, and make real impact.”

Karenna Wilford’s profile is a compelling example of what leadership in architecture can look like when guided by clarity, compassion and conviction. As the industry continues to evolve, voices like hers are paving the way for a more inclusive and inspiring future.

If you’re looking to bring your own architectural project to life, get in touch with Karenna Wilford Architects to start a conversation — your vision, guided by expert hands, could be the beginning of something remarkable.