With ever present enthusiasm, in October we held the last NextGen Committee meeting of the year where the panel reflected on their involvement with LREF through the Future Leaders session and as mentors to Y10 students taking part in the School Engagement Programme. We also took the opportunity to look forward to activity next year with lots of ideas and ambition to cover issues that are important to the NLA NextGen network with the industry. 

 

It’s been a pleasure working with such a proactive panel, and although some have come to the end of their panel duties, I look forward to seeing what they do next. For those staying on, I’m excited to continue shaping a brilliant programme of events and opportunities. 

 

Here are some of the panel reflecting on their experience from the past year: 

Being a part of the NLA NextGen Committee has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Among all the enriching activities, mentoring students through the speed mentoring program stands out as a highlight for me. Witnessing the growth and development of these aspiring individuals has been truly rewarding. It’s been an honour to share insights, offer guidance, and inspire these young minds to reach their full potential. The connections formed and the knowledge exchanged have not only impacted their journey but have also deeply enriched my own. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of tomorrow’s leaders through this program.

It’s been a pleasure to work with so many talented people, across a range of fields, who share a deep commitment to London and its future. The challenges our capital faces require a multidisciplinary response and one rooted in fresh thought and first-hand experience – which is exactly what I think this committee brings. My highlight was being able to present to NextGen Committee members and indeed those across the NLA network back in June 2023 on the ‘politics of planning’; one such area that needs reform and one I am particularly familiar with (for better and worse). I may be now stepping back, but I’m excited to see the good work continue!

 

Being part of the Next Gen committee has been a pivotal chapter in my professional career.

The committee members and organisation have been a constant source of inspiration, pushing the conversation of the built environment to new heights. Attending events and engaging in discussions with them has expanded my understanding of diverse perspectives and cutting-edge ideas. With the Next Gen committee, we've tackled challenges, shared knowledge, and collectively worked towards a brighter future. Being part of the committee the past year has been an incredible privilege, and I am looking forward to what the next year brings.

James Campbell, Project Manager, Mace

As a member of the NLA Next Gen Committee, my experience over the past year has been brilliant and inspiring. One of my favourite aspects of this committee is the invaluable networking opportunities it provides within the built environment. I had the privilege of attending the 35th Annual Milo Lecture at The Athenaeum Club, where Professor Jan Gehl delivered a captivating lecture on "Liveable Cities for the 21st Century." His insights into creating more human-friendly cities left a lasting impact on me. 

 

Additionally, I had the opportunity to be a panellist at the London Real Estate Forum's 'Future Leaders' discussion, where we collectively envisioned a greener, safer, and more equitable future for London. This year has been filled with exceptional experiences that have broadened my horizons and deepened my commitment to shaping a better urban landscape.

As a member of the NextGen Committee, I've had the opportunity to collaborate and engage in discussions with a diverse group of passionate professionals and aspiring future leaders in the built environment. The Committee allowed me to discuss the issues that are most relevant to the next generation, share perspectives, new ideas and solutions for London and the industry. It enables future leaders to contribute their perspectives to the broader industry dialogue, which can inform the New London Agenda and NLA's programmes. Some of the topics and discussions from the past year centred on addressing the challenges that future leaders must overcome and the ambitions we should strive for to create a greener and more equitable city. These discussions have taken place through various roundtable sessions, mentoring opportunities and by creating space for the next generation's voices in leading industry events, such as LREF.

 

I have enjoyed being part of the NextGen Committee this year. Being on the committee has allowed me to work with interesting individuals with a wide breadth of experience and discuss key topics within the built environment. My highlight has been tacking the challenges we face for future generations and identifying opportunities to support career progression. One interesting topic which was discussed was on the impact of hybrid working on young professionals. The committee debated the flexibility benefits of hybrid working against the value of in-person learning. I look forward to continuing these discussions with the committee next year.

 

Getting involved with the NLA NextGen committee this year has provided me with the opportunity to meet other NextGen professionals working within the built environment in some capacity, providing valuable insight into our common challenges, as well developing a better understanding for our varying approaches and sharing our hopes for the built environment of the future. My involvement has pushed me to challenge my perspective around the needs of not just the next generation of built environment professionals, but also the next generation of Londoners. My highlight was getting involved with the ‘Next Generation of Housing’ event, sharing my thoughts on the barriers to accessing affordable, sustainable homes. It was a great evening which sparked an exciting wider conversation around alternative housing solutions and hopes for the future.

 

Being a member of the NLA Next Gen Committee over the last 18 months has given me the opportunity to have a voice in shaping London for future generations. Each member has shared their different thoughts and perspectives and its been so encouraging to be surrounded by the bright ideas, passion and energy that everyone has brought. The diversity of thought that this committee brings together is so important in encouraging collaboration and working towards improving the built environment sector, bringing focus to key issues facing the ‘next generations’ such as the environment, housing and social value.