Women in Architecture UK (WiA UK) is thrilled to confirms its partnership with The UK's Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). The UKREiiF event is set to take place between 21-23 May 2024, in Leeds.

We (WiA) stand as a passionate, volunteer-driven force aiming to be inclusive in our advocacy by tackling the deep-rooted gender disparities within the architectural profession and education. Our goal is to enhance the visibility of women architects, represent their perspectives, and foster their advancement in architectural and related professions by cultivating a vibrant platform of idea exchanges, discussions, and vigorous support networks. Our objective extends beyond preservation; we believe in amplifying the voices of women architects, reshaping historical narratives, and championing diversity within the architectural realm. Our commitment to disrupting the conventional architectural narrative, which has often side-lined or obscured women's roles, remains unwavering.

After engaging with UKREiiF in 2023 about diversity and inclusion and recognising the efforts to create mixed-gender panels, changing the face and expectations of the industry, WiA and UKREiiF are delighted to step forward into a collective vision for an inclusive industry. After an immensely successful event last year, UKREiiF has become the most-attended event in the industry, supported by an extensive number of regional combined authorities, local councils, and Government departments across the UK and internationally.

The 2024 UKREiiF annual event focuses on gathering all key players, decision-makers, and influencers within the investment and real estate market to highlight development and investment opportunities whilst facilitating new associations.

This collaboration between WiA and UKREiiF resonates deeply with WiA's overarching manifesto to ensure inclusive advocacy at the table in conversations that shape our built environment. By partnering, WiA and UKREiiF present a united alliance dedicated to celebrating perspectives and embracing diverse voices. UKREiiF and WiA are catalysing a culture where inclusivity isn't just a buzzword but an active, celebrated reality within the architectural landscape.

“We were thrilled with the support and opportunities that the UKREiiF team offered us in 2023. Working with us so positively has given our members enhanced opportunities to network and discuss topics that are important to not only Women in Architecture UK, but also affect the whole profession and industry. Our thanks goes out to UKREiiF, and we look forward to doing more great things together in 2024.”

-Igea Troiani, Chair of WiA UK

“We struck up a partnership with Women in Architecture for UKREiiF 2023 and we were impressed by not only the strength of their network and activity they hosted at UKREiiF, but also their approach to collaboration – sharing feedback from their network on how events like UKREiiF can become more inclusive and welcoming to all. Several suggestions they have made have been implemented for UKREiiF 2024 and we welcome this type of relationship that not only improves the event, but also provides more opportunities for a more inclusive industry. This is one of over fifty partnerships we have from a D&I perspective at UKREiiF as we aim to create an event which is more representative of society than the industry, and we’re delighted to have WIA’s support in this.”

-Nathan Spencer, Director, UKREiiF

Led by the UK's leading property events company Built Environment Networking, and supported by some of the biggest UK property and infrastructure companies, the third annual UKREiiF event will be held in Leeds on 21-23 May 2024. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.

WiA will shortly announce our plans for UKREiiF 2024. Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date with our plans.

For more information on UKREiiF, visit: https://www.ukreiif.com/