Pollard Thomas Edward senior partner Teresa Borsuk has won this year’s Woman Architect of the Year Award. Teresa was recognised for her ‘remarkable’ contribution to improving equality within her practice.

Through her leadership, the number of women on the AJ100 firm’s staff has grown to more than 50 per cent. Judges felt the support she gives to women in her firm made her a role model for future generations.

Women in Architecture judge Moira Gemmill, said: ‘This was the category which took the longest to conclude but we have a worthy winner. She has produced some really great work – and lots of it. I’m amazed at the output. Under her leadership in the practice the staff gender split is 50:50 and that is pretty remarkable in any architecture practice.'

Barbara Weiss, founder, Barbara Weiss Architects, said: 'Teresa Borsuk has always been a role model, supporter and friend. From my first meeting with her in the early 90s I was struck by her professionalism, her generosity towards others, and her ability to do things differently. Her large practice, with its weekly communal meals, and very open canal-side office, has always been inspirational; so much careful thought has obviously gone into creating an environment where people are happy to work and to collaborate. Teresa’s acceptance speech reflected very much her self-effacing nature, her belief in team-work, and her great leadership skills. Many generations of women architects can count themselves lucky for having been trained by her.'