Margaret Findlay facts for kids

Margaret Keitha Findlay (1916-2007) was an important Australian architect. She made history as one of the first women to achieve many things in her field.

Her Early Life

Margaret Keitha Findlay was born in Scottsdale, Tasmania in 1916. When she was a teenager, in the 1930s, her family moved. They went to New Norfolk, Tasmania. Margaret went to school there.

Becoming an Architect

After school, Margaret started learning about architecture. She became an apprentice for an architect named A.T. Johnston in Hobart. At the same time, she studied architecture. She went to Hobart Technical College. This college was connected to the Sydney Technical College.

A year after her training, she got a job. She worked for Australian Newsprint Mills (ANM). Her role was an architectural draftswoman. This means she drew plans for buildings. After about 15 months, the main architect at ANM left. Margaret then took charge of a big project. This project was to build a new suburb in New Norfolk. It was for the company's workers and their families. She personally designed at least 60 homes for them.

While teaching architecture, she continued her own studies. She earned a special degree. It was a Diploma in Town and Country Planning. She got this from the University of Sydney in 1951. She worked there and became the head of her department. She stayed in this important role until she retired in 1970.

Her Lasting Impact

Margaret Findlay achieved many "firsts" for women in architecture.

• She was the first woman in Tasmania to become an associate. This was for the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA). She passed the test in 1943.
• She was also the first woman to be a registered architect in Tasmania. This meant she was officially allowed to practice architecture.
• In 1944, she became the first female architect. She worked for the Public Works Department in Tasmania.
• By 1945, she was chosen as an instructor. She taught architectural drawing at the University of Sydney. She was the first and only woman in this position there.

In 1945, Margaret gave an interview to The Mercury newspaper. She famously said that it was a great chance for girls. She believed they should study architecture. She wanted them to show everyone what they could do.

Margaret did more than just open doors for women. She also helped create a new education system. This system was for the Hobart Technical College. It allowed students to become RAIA associates. They could also become registered architects in Tasmania. This happened after they finished the five-year course.

Margaret was also very interested in town planning. She believed that good town planning was very important. In her interview, she also shared her ideas about women and homes. She thought women should help design new houses. She especially felt they should have a say in planning kitchens. Throughout her career, Margaret always stressed this idea. She believed that good home design was important for women's health and happiness.

In 2011, Margaret Findlay was honored. Her name was added to the Tasmanian Honour Roll for Women. This was done after her death. It recognized her great contributions to architecture in Australia.