AIA UK Emerging Professionals Speed Networking: Inspiring Connections and Knowledge Exchange

Attendees and Guest Mentors at the Herman Miller London Showroom for the AIA UK Emerging Professionals Speed Networking 

On March 30th, the AIA UK Emerging Professionals (EP) hosted an exceptional event that left attendees buzzing with inspiration and new connections. The AIA UK EP Speed Networking event, held at the Herman Miller London Showroom, brought together a diverse group of about 40 participants, ranging from university students to early-career and experienced professionals, all driven by their passion for the architecture and built environment industry.

The event was designed to foster meaningful connections, provide valuable mentorship, and create a knowledge-sharing platform. Drawing from the expertise of esteemed guest mentors, the event aimed to inspire and guide participants on their professional journeys. These guest mentors, who themselves were part of the diverse range of participants, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

The evening commenced with warm welcomes, accompanied by light refreshments courtesy of Herman Miller, our generous sponsor. This created a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged networking and laid the foundation for fruitful interactions throughout the event.

The highlight of the evening was the speed networking activity, where participants were divided into small groups. Each group had the opportunity to spend approximately 10 minutes conversing with and learning from the guest mentors. This format allowed for focused discussions, enabling attendees to gain insights, advice, and inspiration from professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The conversations were dynamic and invigorating. Adrienne Lau (Senior Associate and Project Leader at Heatherwick Studio)'s discussions on masterplanning and urbanism sparked ideas about creating impactful projects that shape cities and communities. Carlos Luis Gomez Gonzales (Partner at Foster+Partners) captivated participants with his knowledge and expertise in architectural visualizations and story making, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling narratives through design. Cristina Sanchez Jimenez (BIM Manager at Lendlease) shed light on the world of building information modeling (BIM), showcasing its role in streamlining construction processes and enhancing collaboration. 

Golnaz Ighany (Architect-Sustainability Director at BDP) shared her expertise on sustainable design strategies, inspiring attendees to prioritize environmentally responsible practices in their work. Jennifer Durand (Designer at Zaha Hadid Architects) opened doors to the realm of digital tools and parametric design, showcasing the power of computational design in pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. Stephen Drew (Founder of Architecture Social)'s guidance on career development and early career recruitment advice resonated with participants, empowering them to take charge of their professional journeys. The guest mentors' collective knowledge and expertise created an environment of learning, growth, and inspiration.

Feedback from both participants and mentors was overwhelmingly positive. The event succeeded in creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and learning. Participants exchanged ideas, sought guidance, and found common ground with professionals from different corners of the industry. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for future collaborations and mentorship opportunities.

The AIA UK EP Speed Networking event wasn't just about making connections; it emphasized the importance of building bridges and supporting one another in our journeys as emerging professionals. By bringing together mentors and participants, we fostered an environment that encouraged growth and innovation.

The AIA UK EP firmly believe that events like these are crucial for shaping the future of our industry. We are committed to providing platforms where aspiring professionals can connect, learn, and thrive. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to come, as we continue to inspire and support the next generation of architects and built environment professionals.

Written by Paolo Mendoza, Assoc. AIA