Francine Houben awarded with the Female Frontier Award - Architect of the Year 2021

Francine Houben, founding partner and creative director, received the Female Frontier Award, Architect of the Year 2021 by World Architecture News. The Female Frontier Awards recognise remarkable, talented and visionary women of all ages, at every level across global architecture. These awards champion innovation, encourage new and established talent and celebrate the firms who are supporting women in their roles.

Along with celebrating design-led achievements, the Female Frontier Awards puts a spotlight on the outstanding leadership which drives success in architecture whether at entry level or at a later career stage.

Francine Houben founded Mecanoo in 1984. She has since led the firm to success in The Netherlands and abroad, amassing a portfolio of work that is wide-ranging, inspired by global challenges and with a sustainable view on society.

Mecanoo combines the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture and interior design to produce unorthodox design solutions born from a strong sensitivity to context and a highly interdisciplinary design process. Each of her projects illustrates the four fundamental elements of her architectural vision: People, Place, Purpose, Poetry.

“Architecture is never a solo act. I like to compare it to directing a symphony orchestra; it’s all about teamwork, about being visionary, sensitive and supportive at the same time.”

Find the full list of winners, high commendations and finalists, here. 

Image copyright by Archiposition.