Celebrating togetherness: Hassell’s 2022 Next Generation Conference
Our annual Next Generation conference saw our 2022 cohort come together face-to-face for the first time since 2019 for an action-packed two days in Brisbane, Australia.
How can we build togetherness in the new era of hybrid working? How can we transform our cities by embedding regenerative design in our work? These were just some of the topics tackled by young designers from across our international studios at our annual Next Generation Conference.
Hassell delegates from our Asian, UK and Australian studios brought their energy and expertise to workshops, forums, and site visits. It was a chance to share, learn and connect with emerging designers from around the globe.
“It felt encouraging to experience such a shared purpose and aspiration across the practice,” says Jeroen Hagendoorn, Senior Associate, Architecture, based in our Melbourne studio. “It has inspired us, as individuals, to contribute to our positive and ambitious culture and to engage our clients and collaborators in it.”
Guided by Hassell Principals, our Next-Gen’ers delivered memorable and winning client pitches, developed a regenerative design strategy in 20 minutes, and took a deep dive into the expressive power of design. The group witnessed personal and insightful career journeys shared by Hassell leaders and learned the tools to strengthen their career paths through a people and culture lens.
“What I wanted this group to walk away with was the confidence to change something tomorrow.”
Sam Peart, Head of Sustainability
Tours to Brisbane’s award-winning design projects, including Herston Quarter and Biofabrication Institute, Suncorp, and Riverside Green, lit the creative fires within. The lush, subtropical landscapes of the city demonstrated real-life lessons in the power of nature to create places people love.
“It was an invaluable opportunity to meet with other emerging designers from Hassell,” says Jaclyn Sun, Associate, Architecture, Hong Kong.
“It has strengthened my bond with peers from our international studios. I walked out feeling inspired, invigorated and more connected to the Hassell community.”
Delegates found common ground with like-minded designers sharing strategies for embedding regenerative design in everyday thinking and discussing the pressing issues of inclusivity and equity in our cities. The opportunity to be together and share knowledge equipped everyone with renewed energy and purpose. We can’t wait to see what 2023 brings.