“Building Brilliance” featuring “How to Win Work” by Jan Knikker of MVRDV

IN PERSON and ONLINE EVENT :
Book Clubs Don’t Have to Be Boring — Especially When They’re About Winning Work Like a ⭐️Starchitect

Who said book clubs have to be dull - definitely not us. We’re shaking things up with Building Brilliance, the RIBA Gulf community’s very own book club for architects who want to think sharper, grow their practices, and stop giving away design ideas for free. Yes, we said it.

Our second book? How to Win Work by Jan Knikker — the man who’s been behind the strategic rise of MVRDV and knows a thing or two about turning bold ideas into real commissions. Jan’s joining us live from the Netherlands to share what it actually takes to win work on a global stage — and spoiler alert: it’s not working for free.

Join us for a lively discussion and Jan’s insights: Wednesday 9th April 2025

The event is hosted and moderated by the RIBA Gulf Chapter's Treasurer Maya Cochrane and Chair Andy Shaw. With catering supplied by event sponsor Dinesen.

Time: From 6:00-9:30pm - be there for Jan’s talk at 7:30pm ( all UAE time)

In person: One Life UPSTAIRS, d3 Building 5, Dubai Design District

ONLINE: 19:00-20:15 for Jan’s portion

ONLINE LINK: To Follow after registration

In exchange for joining our community this evening we encourage you to bring along a book, magazine, zine, etc to donate and grow our Building Brilliance mobile library. A selection of books are soon to be hosted at Co lab community space, we are just in the process of building a shelf to hold them.

If you would like to purchase the RIBA published book here is the link:
https://www.ribabooks.com/How-To-Win-Work-The-architects-guide-to-business-development-and-marketing_9781859469323

No need to have read the book beforehand as we will share a few insights before the talk. I do highly recommend dipping into sections of the book that excite you and consider familiarising yourself with this online lecture:

This event is part of our programme for 2025 to encourage knowledge sharing, growth and networking within our RIBA Gulf Chapter Community, as the UAE celebrates the Year of Community.

We’re also raising a glass (and maybe a canapé or two) to Dinesen, our generous sponsor for the evening’s catering and drinks. Hailing from Denmark — where they clearly know a thing or two about good design and good hospitality — Dinesen is a leading manufacturer of solid and engineered wood flooring in extraordinary dimensions. Their work features in some of the most prestigious projects around the world, and tonight, they’re bringing that same refined touch to our gathering. Let’s be honest: when it comes to hardwood and high design, the Danes just get it right. Visit dinesen.com to see how they’re exporting excellence one plank at a time.

Host or Publisher RIBA Gulf Chapter