Making a career change can be daunting decision, especially when financial insecurity is the driving force behind it. But sometimes, taking the leap of faith can lead to incredible opportunities and growth.

In this interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvie Reuter, a bright woman who left her freelance architecture career to transition into the real estate industry. Despite the challenges she faced, Sylvie took control of her future and forged a new path in her professional life.

Join us as we learn from her experiences and gain insights into the journey of making a major career switch!

Sylvie in a nutshell

Kingsley: Hello Sylvie, can you tell us about yourself?

Sylvie Reuter: Yes, of course! My name is Sylvie Reuter, I am an architect by training and I worked in the field for a decade before moving on to work in the public service for a social housing company. For the past five years, I’ve been working at AT Osborne, a real estate consulting and project management company.

K: What is your educational background?

SR: I had a very classical high school education. During my 5th year, there was a lot of strikes at school which bored me, so I decided to skip the last year and take the entrance exam for the University. And I succeeded! In September, I was joining La Cambre, the school of architecture in Brussels.

I completed five years of architecture studies and loved it. A few years later, I earned an executive master’s degree in Management from ULB, as well a several other professional trainings.

K: Was architecture your dream job as a child?

SR: Yes, indeed. Since I was a little girl, I wanted to draw houses. In the end, I never really drew houses, but rather collective public buildings, which is equally fulfilling!

Women in Real Estate

K: Would you say that architecture and real estate are predominantly male sectors?

SR: The fields of architecture and real estate are still predominantly male, but I have always been able to find my place in them without much difficulty. While some men may try to suggest that women are too delicate for construction sites, I have found that this often leads to them treating us with excessive respect. While I don’t mind this, it has never been a problem for me in carrying out my work. I am also not one to tolerate discrimination, and I always speak up for myself when necessary.

K: What are the obstacles encountered by women in the field? Why are they underrepresented?

SR: In my experience, the real estate industry can be quite challenging in terms of the behaviors, work practices, and interpersonal dynamics. These aspects of the industry may not always align with the ways in which women typically interact with others. However, despite these challenges, I have noticed an increasing number of women entering the world of real estate and promotion.

K: What was it like being a freelanced and a mother at the same time?

SR: Due to complications during my pregnancies, I was unable to work for an extended period of time. Fortunately, my husband was there to support our family financially by continuing to work full-time. However, this period of uncertainty and financial insecurity led me to the difficult decision of ending my career as a freelance architect after the birth of my second child.

The field of architecture is one of the lowest paid among all the liberal professions. While efforts have been made to improve the pay of trainees, it remains a significant challenge. As a formerly independent woman architect, this has been a frustrating experience for me.

K: Was changing jobs difficult for you?

SR: Making the decision to change jobs was a difficult one for me, but ultimately it led me to a new position in the social housing sector that I found to be both exciting and rewarding. Through this experience, I learned a lot and gained valuable skills that have shaped who I am today. While it was a painful decision at the time, looking back, I am grateful for the opportunities it brought me and the person it helped me become.

Gender issues

K: Have you ever experienced discrimination at work?

SR: Yes, and I’ve had colleagues who have been subjected to harassment. I have been the recipient of inappropriate comments and remarks that have made me feel uncomfortable. As someone who is naturally reactive to this type of behavior, I rarely let such remarks go by without addressing them. However, I try to respond in a humorous tone in order to diffuse the situation and avoid escalating tensions. It’s important to note that gender discrimination is not limited to the construction sector; it exists in all industries and workplaces.

K: Is there a difference between male and female architects in the way of working?

SR: In my opinion, the most significant difference between male and female architects is their approach to designing public spaces. While there may be differences between individual architects, they are likely to be related to their personal style and preferences. For example, female architects may place greater emphasis on creating more inclusive public spaces. This can involve designing safer spaces with fewer opportunities for aggression or violence, and incorporating nooks and crannies that make women feel more comfortable. Despite the importance of these considerations, it can be challenging to translate them into reality.

From architecture to real estate management

K: Which projects were your favorite to work on?

SR: The Royal Flemish Theatre was particularly special to me, as it was my first project and felt like my first “baby.” Later on, while working in social housing, I was able to initiate feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of entire garden city districts, and find ways to revalue the social and functional mix to better serve the community. Now, at At Osborne, we have the opportunity to work on a range of projects that support clients in transitioning to remote work environments. This is especially fulfilling because it involves a lot of human interaction and requires helping people shift their mindsets and identify their underlying needs.

K: What are the main issues in the construction and real estate sector in 2023?

SR: Sustainability is incredibly important today, and as a mother of two children, the idea that they might one day have to struggle to meet their basic needs is simply unbearable. That’s why I believe sustainability should be a crucial factor, if not the very heart, of all the real estate projects we develop. When working with clients, I insist that sustainability be at the center of their projects, not only for the sake of the environment but also for the well-being of future generations.

However, achieving durability while controlling costs can be a challenging balancing act. We need to work on finding cost-effective solutions to make sustainability accessible to all. Moreover, sustainable construction requires a skilled workforce that understands the new concepts involved beyond just energy performance. Passive construction has been around for some time, but integrating other necessary dimensions requires a shift in thinking.

Leadership and entrepreneurship

K: How would you define women entrepreneurship?

SR: In general, women tend to seek solutions that benefit everyone without causing harm. When facing challenges, they lead with a balance of softness and firmness to achieve success. Many women can be very assertive while maintaining an emphasis on understanding the other person’s perspective. They may also step aside at times to create more space for the other person to move forward and accomplish their goals.

K: What makes a good leader?

SR: A great leader is someone who has the ability to inspire and lead by example, as their actions often speak louder than words. True leaders create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development for all members of their team.

Inspiring women (are goddesses)

K: What does it mean to be a woman in 2023?

SR: It means having the ability and the choice to live life on our own terms. Although it may not always be easy, women today are strong and strive to fully express themselves. Life is full of opportunities, and we must continue to strive for our emancipation and the ability to be completely free in our actions and thoughts.

K: Who inspires you the most daily? 

I am surrounded by amazing women who inspire me. They are colleagues, family members, and close friends, and I am impressed by their incredible stories and their ability to manage many things at once. They are like Kali, the Indian goddess with multiple arms.

Regardless of age, anyone can inspire others. It’s important not to let motherhood be a barrier to pursuing your dreams and exploring new horizons. (Sylvie Reuter)