Memoir: Australia’s First Female Architect

October 31st, 2007

Florence Mary Taylor is remembered as Australia’s first qualified female architect, and 2007 marks the centenary anniversary since she established the influential building industry trade journals.

Best known for her role as publisher, editor and writer of the journals, which she ran until her retirement in 1961, Taylor was a pioneer of unchartered territories for Australian women in the workforce.

Born in England, she moved to Australia in 1881. Inspired by a desire to support her sisters after the death of her parents, Taylor enrolled in night classes at the Sydney Technical College where she became the first woman to complete final year studies in architecture in 1904.

Renowned for her bold character, Taylor was also the first woman in Australia to attempt a glider flight in 1909.

Taylor passed away in 1969 aged 89. Sydney’s CBD houses a large painted mural dedicated to her contribution to Australian architecture, viewable from central station.

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