Women in Architecture: Shaping the Future of Leadership and Ownership
Treanor welcomes the 2026 AIA Women's Leadership Summit to Kansas City
What does it mean to lead in architecture, and how can more women help shape the future of the firms and communities they serve?
These conversations will take center stage as architects and design professionals from across the country gather in Kansas City for the 2026 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS), November 1–3.
Treanor is proud to be a sponsor for this year’s summit, with members of our team attending and our Kansas City office hosting a firm tour that will bring attendees together for an inside look at our work, our people, and the possibilities for leadership within a national architecture firm.
Women in architecture: creating opportunities to lead
Leadership in architecture takes many forms. It happens through experience, mentorship, collaboration, business-focused decisions, and the willingness to challenge yourself. As the architecture profession continues to evolve, creating opportunities for women to influence its direction is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive future.
At Treanor, we believe great leadership balances listening, learning, and leading. The Women’s Leadership Summit creates space for those conversations, connecting women across career stages, disciplines, and firms to share experiences and explore what’s next.
An inside look at leadership and ownership at Treanor
As part of the summit, Treanor will welcome attendees to our Kansas City office for a firm tour and conversation with Joy Coleman, Treanor Principal and Chair of the Board.
Joy will share perspectives on women in leadership and ownership positions within a national architecture firm, exploring the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences that come with helping guide a firm’s future.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet members of the Treanor team, learn more about our work across multiple design markets, and connect with fellow professionals who share a passion for architecture and leadership.
Whether you’re early in your career, growing into a leadership role, or helping guide the direction of your own firm, we look forward to an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
Treanor firm tour
AIA Women’s Leadership Summit 2026
📅 November 3, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Treanor’s Kansas City office
Featured speaker: Joy Coleman, Treanor Principal and Chair of the Board
Topic: Women in leadership and ownership within a national architecture firm
Leadership isn’t just about the opportunities you’ve earned for yourself. It’s about the opportunities you create for others. I’ve learned that being a good leader means listening to different perspectives and helping people recognize their own potential. As women continue to step into leadership and ownership roles, we have an opportunity to shape both the work we do and the future of our profession.
Joy Coleman, Principal and Chair of the Board at Treanor
Build a career that reaches further
For professionals exploring Kansas City architecture jobs or career opportunities across our national offices, we invite you to get to know our people, our work, and what it means to be part of Treanor. Whether you’re just beginning your career in architecture or looking for your next opportunity to lead, there’s more to explore.
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