You’re an architect looking to expand your network. What are the best ways to make new connections?

As an architect, you know that building a strong network is essential for your career success. Whether you want to find new opportunities, learn from peers, or collaborate on projects, having a diverse and supportive network can help you achieve your goals. But how do you make new connections in a competitive and dynamic field? Here are some of the best ways to expand your network as an architect.

Key takeaways from this article

Join professional groups:

Professional associations offer excellent networking opportunities. Engage in committees and forums to connect with peers and gain exposure.### *Attend industry events:Conferences are a great way to meet influential people. Prepare your pitch, bring business cards, and follow up with new contacts.

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1 Join professional associations

One of the easiest and most effective ways to network with other architects is to join professional associations that align with your interests, values, and expertise. For example, you can become a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), or the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), among others. These associations offer various benefits, such as access to events, publications, awards, education, and advocacy. You can also participate in committees, chapters, and forums that allow you to interact with other members, share your insights, and gain exposure.

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Sahil Tanveer

Principal Architect at RBDS | AI & GenDesign Expert at RBDSai Lab | Author of "Delirious Architecture" | Public Speaker, Trainer, & Educator | Mentor for Aspiring Architects
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Becoming a member of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) can be incredibly beneficial. The IIA serves as a platform for professionals within the architecture community in India, offering a myriad of opportunities for networking, learning, and professional development. By attending conferences, seminars, and workshops organized by the IIA, you can meet and engage with fellow architects, share knowledge, discuss industry trends, and even collaborate on projects.

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2 Attend events and conferences

Another way to meet new people and learn from the best in the industry is to attend events and conferences related to architecture. These can be local, national, or international, depending on your budget and availability. You can find out about upcoming events and conferences through websites, newsletters, social media, or word-of-mouth. Some examples of popular events and conferences for architects are the AIA Conference on Architecture, the World Architecture Festival, and the Venice Biennale of Architecture. When you attend these events and conferences, make sure to prepare your elevator pitch, bring your business cards, and follow up with the contacts you make.

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Sahil Tanveer

Principal Architect at RBDS | AI & GenDesign Expert at RBDSai Lab | Author of "Delirious Architecture" | Public Speaker, Trainer, & Educator | Mentor for Aspiring Architects
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Engaging in online webinars and virtual conferences allows you to connect with international experts and peers from the comfort of your home or office, providing access to a global community. Meanwhile, participating in physical talks, such as the "Designuru" festival held in Bangalore, offers a more tactile and personal networking experience. Presenting your work at such events not only showcases your expertise and creativity but also opens doors to constructive feedback, potential collaborations, and new project opportunities.

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Arqto Carlos Bahr Arquitectura Net Ar ExpoMadera

Carlos Bahr Arquitecto Arquitectura.Net.Ar ExpoMadera Arquitectura Sostenible 4.0 ExpoArquitectura ExpoVivienda con Madera Madera y Arquitectura
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Asistir a eventos y conferencias relacionadas con la arquitectura es una oportunidad invaluable para los profesionales de la arquitectura, donde pueden conocer gente nueva, intercambiar ideas innovadoras y aprender de los mejores en el campo de la arquitectura 1 Networking y Expansión de Contactos 2 Aprendizaje Continuo y Desarrollo Profesional 3 Sumar Inspiración y Creatividad: Nuevas ideas 4 Promoción de tu Marca Personal ya que tendrás la oportunidad de practicar y mejorar tus habilidades de comunicación y presentación al interactuar con otros profesionales, participar en paneles o presentar tus propios proyectos

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3 Create an online presence

In today's digital world, having an online presence is crucial for any professional, especially for architects. You can use various platforms and tools to showcase your work, share your ideas, and connect with potential clients, partners, and collaborators. For example, you can create a portfolio website, a blog, a podcast, or a YouTube channel that highlights your projects, skills, and vision. You can also use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, to engage with your audience, join groups, and participate in discussions. You can also leverage online platforms, such as Archinect, Architizer, or Houzz, that are specifically designed for architects and architecture lovers.

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Sahil Tanveer

Principal Architect at RBDS | AI & GenDesign Expert at RBDSai Lab | Author of "Delirious Architecture" | Public Speaker, Trainer, & Educator | Mentor for Aspiring Architects
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Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for visually showcasing your architectural projects, design concepts, and creative processes, attracting a diverse audience ranging from potential clients to fellow architects. These platforms allow for the sharing of high quality images and narratives behind your designs, engaging a community interested in Gen AI, architecture and design. LinkedIn, on the other hand, serves as a more formal networking platform where you can connect with industry professionals, join architecture related groups, and participate in discussions.

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Ar Vijay Kumar

Architect | AI Enthusiast | Divergent |
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Online presence is very important for multiple purposes. One can use platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube to get new leads, showcase design ideas, educational contents relevant to the field and projects (more importantly the live ones). All this helps in growth and connecting with people who needs your service. "Self Branding" is the key aspect here.

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Arqto Carlos Bahr Arquitectura Net Ar ExpoMadera

Carlos Bahr Arquitecto Arquitectura.Net.Ar ExpoMadera Arquitectura Sostenible 4.0 ExpoArquitectura ExpoVivienda con Madera Madera y Arquitectura
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Las plataformas y redes sociales están diseñadas para satisfacer las necesidades específicas de los arquitectos y amantes de la arquitectura, proporcionando acceso a recursos, inspiración y oportunidades de colaboración que son fundamentales para el crecimiento y el éxito en la industria. Para la generación de contactos considero de interés Youtube, Instagram o Facebook para información ArchDaily: Archinect, Architizer o Houzz LinkedIn: Aunque no está diseñado específicamente para arquitectos, LinkedIn es una plataforma importante para profesionales de la arquitectura para establecer conexiones profesionales, buscar oportunidades laborales y compartir su trabajo y experiencia con una audiencia global.

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4 Volunteer for a cause

If you want to network with a purpose and make a positive impact on your community, you can volunteer for a cause that you care about and that relates to architecture. For example, you can join organizations, such as Architecture for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity, or Architects Without Borders, that provide design and construction services to people in need. You can also volunteer for local initiatives, such as community gardens, public art projects, or historic preservation efforts. By volunteering for a cause, you can not only showcase your skills and values, but also meet like-minded people who share your passion and vision.

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Sahil Tanveer

Principal Architect at RBDS | AI & GenDesign Expert at RBDSai Lab | Author of "Delirious Architecture" | Public Speaker, Trainer, & Educator | Mentor for Aspiring Architects
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Workshops can serve as a platform to mentor emerging talents or to collaborate with peers on innovative solutions for societal challenges, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Pro bono projects, particularly those that address housing, community centers, or public spaces, can introduce you to a diverse group of stakeholders, from local government officials to community leaders and fellow architects passionate about social change.

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5 Seek mentorship and feedback

One of the best ways to grow as an architect and as a person is to seek mentorship and feedback from others who have more experience and knowledge than you. You can find mentors and feedback providers in various ways, such as through your professional associations, your alumni network, your current or former employers, or online platforms, such as MentorCruise or Design Critique. You can also ask for referrals from your existing contacts or reach out to people you admire directly. When you seek mentorship and feedback, make sure to be respectful, curious, and open-minded, and to reciprocate the value you receive.

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6 Be generous and helpful

Finally, one of the most important and often overlooked ways to expand your network as an architect is to be generous and helpful to others. You can do this by offering your expertise, advice, or support to people who need it, without expecting anything in return. You can also do this by sharing your resources, such as books, articles, podcasts, or tools, that you find useful or inspiring. You can also do this by introducing people who might benefit from each other, or by endorsing or recommending people who deserve recognition. By being generous and helpful, you can build trust, credibility, and goodwill, and attract more opportunities and connections.

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Arqto Carlos Bahr Arquitectura Net Ar ExpoMadera

Carlos Bahr Arquitecto Arquitectura.Net.Ar ExpoMadera Arquitectura Sostenible 4.0 ExpoArquitectura ExpoVivienda con Madera Madera y Arquitectura
Report contribution
Considero que adoptar una actitud generosa y servicial hacia los demás en tu carrera como arquitecto, no solo contribuirás al éxito de tus colegas, sino que también crearás oportunidades para ti mismo al ampliar tu red de contactos y fortalecer tu posición en la industria Puntos que considero 1 Ofrecer Consejos y Asesoramiento 2 Participar en Mentorías Tutoriales Pasantias 3 Colaborar en Proyectos y temas de diseño 4 Compartir Recursos y Contactos 5 Visitar y Participar en Exposiciones Eventos, Charlas:

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re an architect looking to expand your network. What are the best ways to make new connections?

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1 Join professional associations

2 Attend events and conferences

3 Create an online presence

4 Volunteer for a cause

5 Seek mentorship and feedback

6 Be generous and helpful

7 Here’s what else to consider

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