In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke to Geena Bains, a Surveyor in our Development Consultancy team.
Having joined Newsteer from Red Loft in 2024, she has four years’ experience specialising in affordable housing, development viability, and financial modelling. Geena works with public, private, and charitable clients to deliver strategic consultancy that supports housing delivery – from small infill sites to complex regeneration projects.
Q: Why is diversity and inclusion important to you?
“Real estate has historically lacked diversity, but over the past few years, I’ve noticed a real shift in attitudes and commitments across the sector. Progress is still ongoing, but greater awareness and action are driving change.
What drew me to Newsteer wasn’t just its expertise but its focus on fostering an inclusive culture. I’ve had the opportunity to take on meaningful roles, from attending industry conferences to contributing to business strategy. The company invests its junior staff through structured development plans, training and an open environment where everyone is encouraged to share ideas. Unlike many organisations that simply claim to operate a flat hierarchy, Newsteer actively supports career development through meaningful opportunities that empower junior professionals.
Beyond internal initiatives, Newsteer is actively working to improve representation in the industry. We’ve partnered with BPIC (Black Professionals in Construction), Waltham Forest College, New London Architecture, and Imperial Business School to broaden access to careers in real estate. Whether through educational talks or expanding recruitment pathways, these initiatives help ensure that the industry better reflects the communities it serves. Through initiatives such as educational talks on careers in property and expanding recruitment into underrepresented groups, Newsteer is taking concrete steps to ensure the sector becomes more inclusive and equitable
Q: What has your personal journey in real estate been like?
“As a first-generation university graduate, stepping into real estate was a leap into the unknown. My interest in urban development began during my architecture studies, and while I initially found my way into development surveying by chance, I quickly realised how regarding it was. This roles allowed me to work on projects that shape cities, balancing viability considerations with the goal of the social objective of creating vibrant, inclusive communities.”
Q: What message do you have for other women in the industry?
“Different voices are key to shaping inclusive spaces that reflect all communities. A city as diverse as London should have built environments that reflect and serve all communities. The more inclusive the industry becomes, the more innovative and effective our solutions will be. My advice? Speak up, take opportunities, and do not underestimate the impact of your voice.”
Happy International Women’s Day!