WADE Asia: Empowering Women and Redefining Design in Architecture and Beyond
In a world where design is both a profession and a powerful tool for social change, WADE Asia emerges as a beacon for women architects, designers, engineers, and artists, providing an expansive and inclusive platform where talent, innovation, and leadership are not only celebrated but propelled to the forefront. As India’s largest and most impactful architecture event dedicated to women, WADE Asia continues to reshape narratives, elevate voices, and champion excellence in design and construction across the globe.
Founded in 2016 by visionary sisters Verticaa Dvivedi and Madhurima Chowdhury, WADE Asia is much more than an event—it is a movement. A movement to spotlight women’s contributions to architecture and design, nurture emerging talent, and foster a global community united by shared purpose, creativity, and equity.
A Global Celebration of Women in Design
WADE Asia is not limited to a geographic boundary. Its reach spans across continents, with participants and speakers hailing from London, Dubai, Singapore, and numerous other hubs of architectural innovation. The event has become a cross-cultural confluence of ideas, where diversity is embraced, experiences are shared, and women-led design gains visibility on an international stage.
Disciplines Represented at WADE Asia:
Architecture
Interior Design
Urban Planning & Landscape Architecture
Civil & Structural Engineering
Art, Photography, and Installations
Construction and Project Management
Through WADE, professionals working across different domains find a unified voice and a collaborative network, helping each other thrive in industries that have traditionally seen lower female participation at leadership levels.
The Heart of WADE: Design India Conference & Live Jury Presentations
Central to WADE Asia is DESIGNS INDIA, a prestigious architectural conference that draws leading thinkers, designers, and educators to discuss the future of the built environment. But what truly sets WADE apart is its live competition format, the largest of its kind in the world, where principal architects and designers take center stage to present their real-world projects in front of live audiences and expert juries.
Competition Categories Include:
High-End Residences
Affordable Housing
Commercial Projects
Retail and Hospitality Design
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Designs
Innovative Facades and Building Skins
Experimental and Research-Based Projects
This approach encourages not just recognition, but learning, mentorship, and healthy critique, making the platform both competitive and deeply educational.
Bridging the Gender Gap Through Design Leadership
WADE Asia is built on the foundation that representation matters. By putting women at the center of design discourse and leadership, it challenges the conventional power dynamics of the architecture and construction industries.
WADE's Core Objectives:
Celebrate the Achievements of Women
Through awards, exhibitions, and honors that highlight extraordinary contributions.
Create Opportunities for Young Professionals
Including scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
Amplify Women-Led Practices
Encouraging business visibility, collaboration, and public engagement for firms led by women.
Encourage Inclusive Dialogue
Bringing together men and women in open discussions to promote gender equity in practice and policy.
This commitment to empowerment is not performative—it is embedded into the event’s structure, ensuring that every voice has a space and every story is heard.
Thought Leadership, Panel Discussions, and Visionary Dialogues
Each edition of WADE Asia includes thought-provoking panels, keynote addresses, and interactive sessions that go beyond aesthetics and form. These sessions delve into the sociopolitical, environmental, and economic factors that shape our built world.
Past Panel Themes Have Included:
"Design as a Catalyst for Social Change"
"Sustainable Architecture in South Asia"
"Navigating a Career in Construction as a Woman"
"The Intersection of Art and Architecture"
"Digital Tools and the Future of Urban Design"
Speakers range from Pritzker laureates and renowned international architects to grassroots innovators, ensuring a balance of prestige and ground-level insight. Attendees leave not just inspired, but equipped with actionable knowledge and global perspectives.
More Than a Conference: A Cultural and Creative Celebration
Beyond its educational and business dimensions, WADE Asia also celebrates the artistic and cultural essence of design. Exhibitions feature works from leading and emerging artists, while curated installations, interactive exhibits, and photography showcases turn the event into a visually engaging experience.
Additional Highlights of WADE Asia:
Women in Art Pavilion
Emerging Designer Showcases
Live Art Installations
Student Design Competitions
Book Launches and Film Screenings Related to Design
By integrating culture, art, and architecture, WADE Asia creates an immersive and holistic environment that goes far beyond professional networking.
Building a Lasting Impact: The WADE Community
WADE Asia is not confined to its annual gathering. Over the years, it has cultivated a living, breathing community of over 30,000 professionals who stay connected year-round through forums, mentorship circles, webinars, and collaborative projects.
WADE's Year-Round Initiatives:
Online Learning and Webinars
Women in Design Directory
Virtual Design Studios and Hackathons
National Surveys and Research Publications
Mentorship & Leadership Training Programs
This continuous engagement ensures that the energy of WADE doesn’t fade when the event ends—it evolves, expands, and strengthens throughout the year.
Why WADE Asia Matters
In a world where design affects everything from the homes we live in to the cities we navigate, WADE Asia plays a vital role in amplifying the voices of those who shape that design. It champions the contributions of women, accelerates their visibility, and advocates for an inclusive future that reflects the richness of diverse perspectives.
WADE Asia is not just about women in design. It is about designing a better world—led by women, for everyone.
