TURNER is facilitating vital new connections for women working in the built environment, with the practice recently bringing together a group of more than 35 designers, architects, developers, project managers and other skilled industry professionals, working across a range of sectors including residential, mixed-use and seniors living projects.
Women currently in leadership or senior roles were encouraged to bring along colleagues at different stages in their careers.
At an informal luncheon, hosted by TURNER together with Essence Project Management and McKenzie Group Consulting, women of all ages, expertise and experience were given the opportunity to make new connections and share challenges and triumphs in the industry.
Now in its fourth year, the event is the brainchild of TURNER Business Development Manager Gemma Bainbrigge.
“We structured this event in contrast to traditional ‘networking’ sessions dominated by long speeches,” said Bainbrigge.
“This event creates space for attendees to engage in genuine conversations and to forge new relationships with women who understand what it’s really like to be a professional within the built environment.
“Building trust, listening deeply and celebrating each other’s wins, that’s the kind of networking we want to encourage at these events.”
An industry stalwart of 20+ years, Gemma is a former interior designer, business owner and mother of two, who now oversees TURNER’s pipeline to new business opportunities.
A return attendee, after enjoying last year’s event, was TURNER’s Experiential Design Lead, Georgia Crawley.
TURNER’s experiential design team is responsible for designing and delivering a broad remit of project work including wayfinding, public art and branding.
“This event opens doors for us to forge new connections across the industry,” said Crawley.
“It’s good to hear about what other women are experiencing and to open your eyes to different aspects of the industry that we may not be exposed to day to day.”
No holds barred conversations are encouraged. Career advice, on-site challenges, and even issues around ageism were among the topics of conversation sparked at this year’s event.
Though the discussions were far-reaching, the goal was simple: connection.
“After this event, it’s much easier to grow these connections when next you meet on site, at another event or even online,” said Crawley.
“As women working in this industry, we have a lot of similar experiences to share, and that can be very comforting.”
In summarising the event, Crawley said: “It’s a really enjoyable afternoon where you’ll feel supported by a room full of people who truly understand you.
“We’re all pushing to be the best we can be in our roles, and this event gives us the opportunity to help each other along the way.”
The event’s continued growth over four years speaks to a broader appetite within the industry for spaces that prioritise authentic conversation over formal presentations.
By stepping away from the traditional networking format, TURNER, Essence Project Management and McKenzie Group Consulting have created something attendees clearly value: a room where honesty is welcomed, and shared experience is treated as a professional asset rather than a side note.
For an industry that has historically been male-dominated, gatherings like this offer more than just a pleasant afternoon.
They provide a rare opportunity for women across different career stages, from those just starting out to seasoned leaders like Gemma, to compare notes, offer mentorship and build the kind of trust that can carry into future collaborations on site and beyond.
Attendees are encouraged to stay in touch long after the event and, based on Georgia’s feedback, most are likely to nurture their new connections long into the future.
With a fifth year already anticipated, TURNER’s luncheon looks set to remain a fixture on the calendar for women in the built environment.