Women Who Shape Our Practice – Maria Crawford, Edinburgh Studio

This week, we’ve invited one woman from each of our studios to take part in a short Q&A series inspired by International Women’s Day. It’s an opportunity to highlight their journeys, share their insights, and acknowledge the impact they make across our studios and the wider industry. For the final day of the series we’re delighted to hear from our Finance Director, Maria Crawford, who is based in our Edinburgh Studio!

Maria brings extensive experience shaped by a diverse career across investment management, intellectual property, government, and legal sectors. Since studying accountancy at Dundee University, she has built a broad and adaptable skill set that now supports the financial leadership of jmarchitects. We’re thrilled she chose to bring her knowledge to the practice, with her expertise and thoughtful leadership quickly becoming integral to the team.

Let’s hear more:

What’s something you’ve learned in your career that you wish more people talked about?

“I’ve learned that everyone, no matter their role or personality, has something genuinely useful to contribute. Some of the best ideas I’ve seen have come from the quietest people in the room. I wish we talked more about creating space for those voices instead of assuming the more senior people have the answer.”

What’s one value you think makes a great team?

“I’d say a sense of shared ownership. The best teams I’ve worked with are the ones where people feel like they’re pulling in the same direction and everyone’s contribution counts. It creates energy, accountability, and a much more positive environment.”

What’s something you’ve learned from another woman that has stayed with you?

“A HR Director I worked with once told me, “If you look after your people, the results will follow.” It stuck with me. In finance, it’s easy to get caught up in targets and deadlines, but she showed me that investing in people creates the culture and performance you actually want.”

Maria, thank you for ending the series on such a high note with these insights!