Louise Sharp

Principal

HLW

25 years in the industry

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and who or what influenced you most along the way?

I’ve always been interested in the environments we all inhabit, especially from the inside out, and how those environments impact how we live and work. That curiosity was really the starting point for me. I’m originally from New Zealand, and while I had an interest in architecture and design early on, it wasn’t until I worked at an architecture firm in the UK—but in a different capacity—that my interest and desire to pursue this career path was reinforced. Seeing in-person what architects actually do on a daily basis and how projects come together over time really informed this decision. 

I went on to study interior architecture in the UK a bit later than some, rather than straight out of school. Although my path was untraditional, I did come to realize that my experiences prior to studying architecture were helpful in understanding how people live and work and enabled me to approach design through that perspective.

Along the way, I’ve been inspired not only by women in architecture, but by women working in fields where they haven’t traditionally been represented. Seeing women break ground in that way has always made me think more broadly about what’s possible.

Can you share a project you’re especially proud of and explain what made it meaningful—either professionally or personally?

There are a few projects that stand out for different reasons. I spent five years working in Shanghai, where I was involved in projects ranging from very small-scale interiors to large, complex developments. That was a meaningful experience because it wasn’t just about the projects themselves—it was about building a team, growing relationships, and learning how to work within a different culture. We worked with both multinational clients and local organizations, and understanding how to navigate those dynamics was incredibly formative for me.

More recently, at HLW, I’ve been involved in long-term, large-scale projects in the US that required a very different mindset. Projects that span five to seven years are a marathon rather than a sprint. You have to build a team culture around longevity, flexibility, and the understanding that clients and their needs will evolve over time. I find that scale and complexity fascinating, especially when you’re collaborating with large, multidisciplinary teams.

Ultimately, the projects I’m most proud of are the ones that stretch me. I never want to reach a point in my career where I feel like I’ve seen and done it all. The most satisfying work is where I’m learning, growing, and being challenged throughout the process.

How do you see diversity and inclusion influencing better design outcomes in architecture today?

I strongly believe that better design comes from more voices at the table. The more diverse the viewpoints, the more you’re challenged, and that challenge leads to better outcomes. I’ve always thrived in highly collaborative environments where everyone is encouraged to bring their ideas forward.

What you arrive at collectively is almost always different from where you started, and it’s stronger because of that process. I don’t want to be the only one generating ideas; I want input from everyone involved. At HLW’s Los Angeles office, we’re fortunate to have a diverse group of colleagues across gender, age, and background, which really enriches the work.

Diversity also extends beyond demographics. It includes the range of expertise people bring. Whether it’s sustainability, lighting, or workplace strategy, thinking holistically about both people and specialties allows us to create more thoughtful, well-rounded solutions.

Have you had mentors or advocates who played a key role in your career growth, and how important is mentorship for women entering the field now?

I’ve been very fortunate to have strong mentors throughout my career. In my first role out of college in London, I worked under two female leaders who had a significant influence on me. They taught me not only about the profession, but also about having a voice and knowing how to use it, especially at a time when the industry looked very different than it does today.

Beyond professional mentors, my mother was an early and very powerful role model in my life. She was one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in New Zealand at a time when there had never been female priests in the Anglican Church there. She broke a great deal of tradition, and that had a lasting impact on how I viewed possibility and ambition. She was also a strong feminist voice while I was growing up, which shaped my outlook well before I entered the profession.

Today, mentorship is something I care deeply about. I love working with women in the industry and staying closely involved throughout the full lifecycle of projects to ensure that the team feels supported. I try to make sure younger designers are exposed to more than just desk work, encouraging them to attend site visits, observe meetings, and see how interactions unfold in real time. Those experiences are incredibly instructive and help prevent people from becoming siloed. Seeing how decisions are made and how challenges are addressed in the field is a critical part of learning and professional growth.

How do you balance creativity with the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture?

It’s definitely a balancing act, and you have to be intentional about creating space for creativity. So much of our work is focused on process, documentation, and delivery that it’s easy to lose sight of that. Taking the time early on to establish a clear concept, understanding what’s driving a project, helps guide decisions when challenges inevitably arise.

Creativity isn’t limited to aesthetics. It shows up in technical detailing, in how you respond to budget or schedule constraints, and in problem-solving more broadly. Most of our team from project managers, architects, and job captains all come from creative backgrounds, and applying that mindset across all aspects of a project is not only helpful—it’s essential.

What changes have you seen for women in architecture over the course of your career, and where do you think progress is still needed?

To many considering entering the industry there is probably still a perception that architecture is a male-dominated field, and that perception can be a barrier early on. When I was in school, most of the architects and contractors I knew were men, which can make you question whether the profession is accessible to you.

Progress starts with exposure—introducing young people to a broader range of role models earlier, so they can see themselves in these roles. While there are more women in architecture today, there are still fewer female role models in construction and engineering disciplines, such as mechanical and electrical engineering. On job sites, women are often still in the minority.

I don’t think it’s about achieving dominance but about creating a more balanced and representative industry overall.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

Clients today are more aware of sustainability concepts and certifications, but many are focused less on the label and more on understanding the value, particularly how their employees or users will experience and benefit from the environment. Larger organizations often have established sustainability guidelines, while smaller clients may not yet.

HLW has a studio, BEYOND, that focuses on this practice. It’s a subject that we feel strongly about. We try to lead by example, whether that’s through material selection or design strategies that are responsible and appropriate, even when formal certifications aren’t pursued. By consistently presenting thoughtful, sustainable options, we can help drive projects in a more responsible direction as part of the overall process.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

The most fulfilling moments are when you’ve earned a client’s trust, not just to offer an opinion but to guide them, and when that trust results in spaces they genuinely love. That’s ultimately why we do this work: to create environments where people want to spend time.

When clients share their excitement about the finished space, that sense of satisfaction extends to the entire team. It reinforces the importance of collaboration, listening, and building strong relationships throughout the process.

What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry?

Talk to people at all stages of their careers and ask questions. Understanding what the challenges are, what people enjoy, and how different roles function can be incredibly helpful.

When I was considering architecture, I worried about the technical side. Math wasn’t my strongest subject and I didn’t fully understand how creative and technical aspects coexist in practice. Having someone to talk through those concerns with would have helped me make decisions with more confidence.

The more conversations you have, the clearer the path becomes.

During International Women’s Month, what does recognition like this mean to you, and how can the industry continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round?

Recognition is always appreciated, but it shouldn’t require a special month. Ideally, we reach a point where people are recognized for what they bring to the table—their experience, perspective, and contributions—rather than simply because they are women.

Supporting women in the industry should be an ongoing part of the conversation, embedded in how we work, mentor, and collaborate year-round.