What's next for women in architecture?

Today, few senior leadership positions in architecture are held by women. So how can we break down barriers, and what can we learn from those leading the way?

Join internationally acclaimed architects, Sadie Morgan OBE and Melkan Gürsel, for an evening of insight, inspiration, and honest conversation about leadership and gender representation in architecture today. In conversation, Sadie and Melkan will share career-defining projects, and discuss their experiences co-founding and leading major practices across the cultural and professional landscapes of the UK and Turkey, as women in a profession that is still far from equal.

Sadie co-founded dRMM in the 1990s, taking it to the multi award-winning practice it is today. Melkan similarly joined TA_Tabanlıoğlu Architects as partner in 1995 and helped grow it into one of Eurasia’s most recognised award-winning practices. Both are passionate advocates and change-makers around gender equality, and both bring first-hand experience in leadership, design advocacy positions and infrastructure projects.

The event takes place during Women’s History Month, and follows the recent release of Build it Together, a landmark report we commissioned on women’s experiences in architecture, produced by the Fawcett Society. While gender inequality is not unique to architecture, its impact on who shapes our built environment – and how – is significant. This event celebrates the remarkable achievements of women breaking down barriers, advocating for fairer futures, and asks how we can continue creating a design profession that better reflects the diverse communities it serves.

Who is the event for?

This event is for anyone curious about architecture, cities, leadership and building more inclusive futures in and beyond architecture. It forms part of our public programmes, bringing conversations about architecture and the built environment to all.

Event format

This event will be chaired by Yẹmí Aládérun, Head of Development at Ealing Council and a leading voice on equitable housing and inclusive regeneration. Yẹmi will lead a discussion with Sadie and Melkan about their careers, the progress made toward gender equality, and the work still to be done across the built environment profession.

You'll then have the chance to ask questions during an audience Question and Answer session. After this, stay for a drinks reception and further conversation.

2026 marks the eighth year of our partnership with VitrA Bathrooms, curating talks that celebrate emerging and established voices at the forefront of international architecture.

This year’s theme, Excellence in Design, explores some of the values and evolving priorities shaping architecture today as we celebrate 60 years of the RIBA Awards and 30 years of the Stirling Prize.

• doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start
• the event will take place in the Great Hall at BMA House, Tavistock Square, London
• the nearest tube station is Euston Station, approximately 350 metres from the venue. The nearest step-free underground station is King's Cross St. Pancras. Other nearby stations including Euston Square (step-free access from westbound only) and Russell Square
• there will be a bar available, offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Please note, RIBA operate a Challenge 25 policy.

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation is available on request. For BSL priority seating, please select the 'BSL Seating' add-on at the checkout and we will arrange for an interpreter to be present. This option closes 3 weeks before the event due to interpreter availability.
• we offer concession tickets for students, those on lower incomes, those with disabilities, and those over 65. Please choose the 'Concession' ticket at the checkout
• we aim to make our events open and accessible to all. If cost is a barrier, we offer an additional discounted option via a discount code. Please contact [email protected] in confidence for the code
• if you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and/or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please contact [email protected].

• cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]
• a photographer may cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events. By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event
• if RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only
• on entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules
• the RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder
• the details you provide will be used in line with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we will handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, United Kingdom

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