Why is YADA the coolest Architecture Event in the UK?! And Where Can I Get a Cheeky Beer?!

Good architecture events are not only about free drinks. At their best, they help architects, developers and built environment professionals understand each other properly.

Stephen Drew speaks with the team behind YADA about networking, property development, young professionals, mentorship and why informal events can create useful conversations across the architecture and development world.

The conversation covers:

• How YADA started and why it connects young architects and developers
• Why networking works better when it feels relaxed and useful
• What architects can learn from developers and property risk
• How events can support mentorship and broader commercial awareness
• Why showing up in person still matters for built environment careers

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Why is YADA the coolest Architecture Event in the UK?

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to YADA and architecture networking
• 05:00 How YADA started and what the name means
• 10:00 Creating events that bring architects and developers together
• 15:00 Breaking the ice and making networking less awkward
• 20:00 Ben Richards joins the conversation
• 25:00 Mentorship, development and learning from real business experience
• 30:00 Architecture, development and the risks behind property projects
• 35:00 Seeing the fuller picture beyond the design conversation
• 40:00 Making better impressions without overthinking it
• 45:00 Showing up, meeting people and building useful relationships
• 50:00 Growing the developer audience and the future of YADA

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