The essential networking guide for architects and designers

For architects and designers, networking is an essential tool for career growth. It’s one of the key avenues for expanding your professional circle, deepening your professional knowledge and opening doors to opportunities you never knew existed – sometimes all in one evening.

Plus, let’s be honest, networking events can be a lot of fun! Who can resist the allure of engaging in conversations over a drink, perhaps paired with some canapés? At Bespoke Careers, we’re big proponents of networking and not just because of the fun factor (although that helps!). Beyond the social perks, these events are your gateway to learning from your peers, sharing ideas and staying inspired in a creative field.

We’ll outline why you should carve out time for networking in your calendar throughout the year, tips for getting the most out of networking and a few upcoming architecture and design events you can add to your calendar.

Why networking is a smart career move

Expand your reach

It’s not just about who you know, but who knows you. Attending architecture and design events allows you to broaden your circle far beyond the people you’re currently working with and your social media following. You would be hard-pressed to find an accomplished architect or designer who isn’t also a seasoned networker for these reasons – meeting a variety of people is what keeps your circle expanding.

Build your personal brand

In a field where your work speaks for itself, having a network of peers who can vouch for your talent and work ethic is invaluable. Regular networking helps you build a personal brand that complements your portfolio. So, whether you’re attending industry events, joining professional organisations, or catching up with former colleagues or classmates, remember that every interaction is an investment in your career.

Develop your communication and people skills

Networking is the perfect way to hone your communications and people skills, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. It encourages you to practice active listening and explain your work to people who aren’t experts in your domain – skills which have a wider utility in many other professional settings.

Find new inspiration

Imagine meeting someone who offers pivotal advice on a project you're working on, or connecting with a potential mentor who can guide you through a challenging career decision. These are the kinds of opportunities that networking creates. In a more mundane but no less important way, attending architecture or design networking events is an excellent way to learn what others are doing in your space and discover innovations that can inspire you.

Tips for successful (and enjoyable) networking

Do it regularly

As with any self-development activity, networking is a numbers game – commitment and consistency are key to long-term success. If you can, we suggest carving out time each month to attend an event, such as an architecture workshop, a design festival or a small meetup in your city, which can help you increase the probability of landing a new opportunity or building a new friendship.

Adopt an open mindset

Networking is best approached with curiosity. Rather than thinking, ‘what’s in this for me?’, keep an open mind and be willing to have a conversation with anyone you encounter. You might be the one helping someone else – even if you don’t realise it at the time! Attending events without pre-conceptions and showing an interest in others can help you have more meaningful conversations – and make lasting connections.

Have a calling card

An up-to-date portfolio website, LinkedIn profile (and perhaps even a paper business card) are important networking tools that allow you to establish connections beyond the initial meeting. Give people a means to contact you and view your work at their leisure – and from there, anything can happen. We can help you with a portfolio review and give advice on refining your folder to make the best possible impression on whoever you share it with – check out our portfolio tips here.

Stay in touch with people

This may be an obvious point, but it can be easily overlooked, especially during a busy social calendar. Make you follow up with the people you meet at architecture events or design gatherings. A quick message to your new contact to say you enjoyed meeting them is enough to establish a connection. Beyond that, remember to engage with new contacts on social media, with a feedback comment or sharing their when their work resonates with you. It’s all about maintaining your connections in the long run.

Architecture and design networking events for your calendar

Architects and designers are spoiled for choice throughout the calendar year when it comes to networking opportunities. Here’s our pick of must-attend conferences, festivals and other up-coming gatherings.

International:

The World Architecture Festival – Held at Singapore’s illustrious Marina Bay Sands Hotel from 6-8 November, the WAF is one of the most anticipated events in the architecture and design calendar.

Australia:

The Architecture Symposium (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) – Hosted by Design Speaks, this event series runs until November 2024.

Sydney Design Week – Running between 13-19 September, SDS is hosting multiple talks and events for designers and architects

SONA Office Crawl – Bespoke Careers is proud to support these September and November events, which offer architecture students a unique insight into the workings of different architecture practices – providing mentorship and networking opportunities, and exposure to multidisciplinary thinking.

Designers Australia Awards – The Design Institute of Australia presents its annual awards in November.

UK:

London Design Festival – a week-long festival highlighting the best of UK and global design held in September.

Architect of the Year Awards 2024 – held in October in London, these awards celebrate the finest achievements of architects and firms in the UK.

Decorex 2024  – Another major London event on theindustry calendar, Decorex is the UK's celebration of interior design and runs from 6-9 October.

US:

Archtober – a month-long series of architecture and designevents in New York throughout October.

Design Miami – forthcoming events are taking place in Paris in October and Miami in December.

Texas Society of Architects Annual Conference – held over three days in October in Houston.

Sign up for architecture networking events

As dedicated supporters of the industry, we organise various events throughout the year, and we’d be thrilled to have you join us! To learn more about our architecture networking events, or to discuss hiring or exploring your next opportunity in architecture or design, reach out to our team today.