It's time for HVACR to step into the limelight and receive its due recognition as an industry that provides the infrastructure upon which we live our modern day lives.
This was the viewpoint of Woman of the Year in HVACR winner, Ania Hampton, accepting her award at CCN Live.
For Hampton, who is the director of boutique building design consultancy, Edefice, this award wasn't just a personal win for her, it was recognition for all women working in HVACR.
But most of all, it was an opportunity to celebrate HVACR as an industry that worthy of much more visibility and acclaim.
“I want to see HVACR receive its due recognition and become an industry of choice for graduates who appreciate that
HVACR is a career where you make lasting, tangible differences that benefit all,” Hampton said.
“I am honoured to win this award, especially given the extraordinarily high calibre of finalists.
“I hope that in the not too distant future it becomes irrelevant to single out the performance of women, it will be our accomplishments that matter, not our presence.”
Hampton is the first woman ever to be elected president of AIRAH in the organisation's almost 100 year history.
She said she nominated for the award because it is a great platform to promote the excellent work being done by the industry and AIRAH.
“I am fortunate to have an excellent team around me and to chair a board of high calibre individuals at AIRAH,” she said.
“Our passionate membership and dedicated staff continually deliver high quality professional development, technical content and advocacy for our industry.”
Hampton is lucky enough to have a husband that takes equal responsibility when it comes to raising their children.
Incredibly, Hampton is the daughter of a HVAC consultant, her mother was in the business.
“I spent my holidays working with her, colouring in duct paths and ensuring diffusers didn't clash with lights,” she said.
“It wasn't the most enthralling of roles but it did plant the seed.”
Commenting on how the industry has changed over the years, Hampton said sustainability has moved from being a cutting-edge initiative at the premium end of the building market to becoming business as usual.
“We have become much more aware of the impact of buildings on the health, wellbeing and productivity of the people who work in them and are now designing buildings to work for people,” she said.
“The greater focus on sustainability has also led more women into the industry, it is no longer unusual to have a woman on the design team.”
Hampton attributes her success to good old-fashioned hard work.
“It really is hard work and not being afraid to take a personal or business risk. I also actively encourage others to develop their full potential and to reach for the stars,” she said.