RSAW Large Practice Network - Hwyl Event

Kick off the new year with the Large Practice Network’s first anchor event of the year, designed to bring together industry professionals and students in a lively, social setting. Timed to counter the gloom of Blue Monday, this gathering is all about connection, conversation, and fresh perspectives.

We’re delighted to welcome Pooja Agrawal, CEO of Public Practice, as our keynote speaker. Pooja will explore the Civic Role of the architect, a theme that resonates deeply with the RIBA Duties of the Architect and sets the tone for the year ahead.

Joining her for a lively panel discussion and Q&A on what ‘value’ means and how architects can best deliver against it will be:

• Jen Heal (Design Commission for Wales)
• Mhairi McVicar (Welsh School of Architecture)

The evening will include:

• Networking opportunities with peers across practice and academia

• Relaxed social atmosphere to spark new collaborations

• Insightful discussion on the role of the architect in shaping civic life

Whether you’re an established professional or a student eager to engage with the wider industry, this event is a chance to recharge, connect, and reflect on the architect’s role in society as viewed through the lens of large practice. the evening offers students an opportunity to network with leading professionals, hear fresh perspectives, and make valuable connections in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

POOJA BIO

Pooja Agrawal is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Public Practice. Public Practice is a not-for-profit organisation that builds the skills and capability of the public sector to improve the quality, equality and sustainability of places.

She is an architect and planner who worked as a public servant at Homes England and the Greater London Authority. She also co-founded the social equality platform Sound Advice and co-published Now You Know, a compendium of fifty essays exploring spatial and racial inequality. She is a Trustee at Open City and a Fellow at the Institute of Innovation and Public Purpose.

In 2023, she received the “London Design Festival Innovation Award”, the “AJ100 Contribution to the Architecture Profession Award” and UKREiiF’s ‘People and Skills Torchbearer Award’. Over the years, she has repeatedly been included in the Planner’s Woman of Influence list of recognition.

PUBLIC PRACTICE

Public Practice was founded as a social enterprise in October 2017 with a mission to build the public sector’s capability to improve the quality, equality, and sustainability of places. They believe that local government's role is crucial in creating and managing everyday places that work for everyone and that to achieve this, it must be well-resourced with diverse placemaking skills and the right support to lead the way.

The organisation delivers services to help the public sector build capacity and develop its placemaking capabilities. This includes the recruitment of talented placemaking professionals into the sector through its Associate Programme, a jobs board for senior placemaking officers, and the publication of its annual Insights Report and public placemakers magazine, Public Notice.

Terms and Conditions

•Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. No refunds can be made for cancellations notified within 7 days of the event. To transfer your ticket/s to another individual/s, please contact [email protected]. Complimentary tickets are strictly non-transferable. Please note that Eventbrite fees will not be refunded.

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•By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event.

•If the RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only.

•On entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules.

•The RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder.

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