CHIARA CALUFETTI-LIM Studio director and architecture principal at WATG

Chiara Calufetti-Lim has over 25 years of architectural expertise, specialising in highend retail, hospitality, residential, and renovation projects, along with master planning and urban design. Her track record of delivering successful, award-winning ventures consistently impresses clients. With experience spanning Europe, Italy, Portugal, Asia, and the US, Calufetti-Lim demonstrates versatility and a global perspective. As a LEED-accredited professional, she champions sustainability and contributes insights into branding, interior remodelling, and historic preservation. Notable projects include the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, China, and the Sofitel Nusa Dua Beach Resort in Bali, Indonesia.

Have you encountered any specific challenges unique to being a woman in this field, and if so, how have you addressed them?

Earlier in my professional career, there were times when I was denied recognition as an architect. As a young professional finding my way around several construction sites dominated by “macho” contractors, it was a challenge to receive respect, especially for me as a rather petite person. I also found myself in many situations during site visits where I was travelling, for example, with 22 men on my own! Even today, at times, people are surprised to find a woman in a leadership position. Nevertheless, I have resolved to improve my presence by honing my communication skills, body language and interpersonal interactions in different contexts.

I attended a course in communications facilitated by a petite female instructor who is also blonde. Her insights taught me to not be fazed by stereotypes and to project more authority, adjusting the way I channel energy to command the situation. This became a pivotal point for me, applicable not only in the field but also in the meeting room, where women’s voices are often overlooked. It’s a common scenario where women propose ideas that go unheard, while the same ideas shared by men just a few minutes later receive applause and adoption. Women may harbour selfdoubt, but we must be courageous, speak up, and convey intentionality; they should also avoid letting minor issues compromise the bigger picture or the long-term success of each project and their careers.

What skills or qualities do you think are particularly valuable for women to cultivate in order to succeed in this field?

Women should embrace speaking up, sharing their opinions, and ensuring their voices are heard. It’s about believing in their strength and resilience, refusing to yield when their contributions go unnoticed. We should be brave and assertive, believe in ourselves more and not shy away from opportunities when offered. We should always maintain the big picture of our professional goals, as we tend to work so hard on projects and to resolve problems but forget the big picture. We should learn to zoom out and recalibrate.

Can you share any experiences that highlight the unique dynamics of being a woman in the profession that you are in?

Research has shown that women typically possess high emotional intelligence (EQ), we in general understand and navigate both our team and the client’s team dynamics well. This proves invaluable in identifying pain points and resolving them efficiently. We tend to be more attuned to clients’ aspirations and site conditions, approaching design solutions with a holistic perspective.

I consider myself fortunate to have worked in different continents across countless projects globally, gaining invaluable exposure as a female architect and as a principal gaining the respect of the team and the client. Ultimately, it boils down to hard work, proactively sharing knowledge and insights to provide solutions.