NYS Legislature Honors Louise Bethune, First Female American Architect

The American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS) is announcing the introduction of a Legislative Resolution for Louise Blanchard Bethune, recognized as the first American woman architect, by the New York State Legislature. Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes and Senator Timothy M. Kennedy introduced the resolution in honor of Women's History Month.� ��������
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"As we celebrate Women's History Month, I was thrilled to be able to honor the life of Louise Bethune -- the first American woman recognized as a professional architect. Louise grew up in Buffalo, and upon completion of her schooling, founded an independent architecture firm, taking a monumental step that was far ahead of her time," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "She would go on in life to carry that same independent spirit, with the perseverance of a trailblazer and the tenacity of an advocate. As we reflect on the 100th�anniversary of her death, one thing is clear: we need more people to follow her path -- both women and men who set the bar high, and are committed to fostering the advancement of equal rights. I'm in awe of her bravery and her passion, and couldn't be more proud to honor her legacy with a resolution on the Senate floor."

A lifelong resident of Buffalo, Louise Blanchard Bethune was born in 1856�in Waterloo, NY, and at the age of 20, was offered a draftsman position�at the prestigious Buffalo architecture firm of Richard A. Waite. She spent five�years learning about architecture at the firm before founding her own firm with her future husband, Robert Bethune.
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"Bethune's contributions to the profession go beyond her designs in the built environment," said AIANYS President Margaret O'Donoghue Castillo, FAIA. "She laid the groundwork for women to be successful in the architectural profession. I am honored and proud to be in the linage of New York's female architectural professionals."�

In 1885, Bethune was elected as a member of the Western Association of Architects (WAA), making her the first woman recognized as a professional architect in the United States and in 1888 the American Institute of Architects (AIA) enrolled her as its first female associate, elevating her to the first female Fellow the following year.

"Louise Blanchard Bethune was the definition of a trailblazer. She was an architect who created some of the most iconic buildings in the Greater Buffalo area, including the iconic Lafayette Hotel in Downtown, but was also a pioneer and advocate for women's rights in an industry and a time where women were not accepted in the profession. Louise fundamentally changed the course for women in architecture," said Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes said.

Bethune was a pioneer and steadfast advocate for women's economic equality, refusing to participate in the design competition for the Women's Building for the Chicago's World Columbian Exposition, when she discovered women were being paid 1/10 of what men were being paid for their designs.

"Louise Bethune's historic career is inspirational to all architects," said Kelly Hayes-Mcalonie, FAIA, Director of the Capital Planning Group at the University at Buffalo and member of the AIA National's Equity by Design workgroup. "Being a female architect from Buffalo, I feel her influences every day and draw from her example. This recognition from the New York State Legislature is both justified and timely, given our current conversations on equal pay in the profession. Bethune was ahead of her time."

Bethune was well-known for designing schools and other public buildings in the Greater Buffalo area, where her best known design and cornerstone to her legacy was for the neoclassical Hotel Lafayette in Downtown Buffalo, completed in 1904.

"Bethune's influences are still being looked at today as relevant in the Institute," said AIANYS Executive Director Georgi Ann Bailey. "Striving for greater equality within the profession and encouraging women to become architects, New York's female design professionals are leading the AIA in identifying where the profession needs to improve."