Building a strong community is an essential part of any industry – including the world of architecture and design. It establishes a sense of identity and cements meaningful relationships that can shape the careers of emerging talent in the built environment. 

What is community? Is it inclusion? Respect? Or is it confirmation that you are not alone in your endeavours, whether personal or professional? At its foundation, community is a narrative that defines a group of people that share a common identity. 

Resources feed community hunger

When creatives have access to community-building resources, it not only feeds their hunger for skills and knowledge – it brings their ideas to life. Without community, many struggle to progress in their careers or push their creative boundaries. Community-led initiatives and industry support help bridge this gap by providing tools and knowledge that might otherwise be out of reach.

The ability to refine one’s craft comes in many forms: collaborative experience, workshops, mentorship programmes and educational events, to name a few. These practical undertakings allow emerging professionals to learn from experienced practitioners while building confidence in their work. When professionals share their expertise, the entire community benefits from a growth culture.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 program is a prime example of how industry leaders can nurture community to create lasting loyalty from within the A&D space. By celebrating the work of young architects and designers, the initiative grants our next generation the kind of recognition and support needed to instil a true sense of belonging.

The program gives selected individuals access to invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities and an immersive retreat experience designed to strengthen professional relationships. Past participants have credited the program with expanding their industry connections and opening doors to career opportunities that may never have seen the light of day if not for the program. 

Niche Content managing director and 30UNDER30 program creator Paul Lidgerwood says that fostering community and collaboration has always been at the heart of the initiative. “The program has forged lifelong connections for our cohort for one simple reason: it was needed,” Lidgerwood says. “When brainstorming the idea three years ago, we presented it to a number of well-respected industry leaders, knowing they would be honest about the concept. The reality was – they loved it! Their input helped shape the program, but we had no idea of the impact it would have on the industry.”

 

Through continued engagement with the ADR community, designers continue to develop a lasting affiliation with the platform that helped launch their careers. 

Neolith Australia managing director and participant Con Papadakis says: “The program is building an inspirational community for the future of design in Australia. We definitely built lifetime connections and amazing memories with the inspirational 30 at the [Bali] retreat.”

The power of presence in a digital world

In the digital age, online courses, virtual mentorships and digital archives have made building communities more accessible than ever. These tools present opportunities for those unable to attend in-person events, offering valuable connections and knowledge. However,  impactful creative communities go beyond the virtual, recognising that face-to-face interactions with experts able to share unique insights and learnings remain essential for deeper engagement, lasting relationships, and career-defining opportunities. While technology can and does enhance accessibility, physical connections remain the foundation of a truly thriving creative network.

The 30UNDER30 program places emerging designers face-to-face with industry leaders, providing mentorship and career-defining relationships. Participants gain direct exposure to key decision-makers and professionals who can shape their futures. These real-world interactions, whether at networking events or during the program’s retreat, create lasting impressions that invite collaboration and respect. While digital platforms may offer connection, they cannot replace the impact of a conversation shared across a table or the hands-on experience of working alongside an industry mentor.

 

Industry engagement helps artists and designers reach a wider audience. Exhibitions, trade shows, and conferences provide platforms where creatives can showcase their work and connect with potential clients or collaborators. The 30UNDER30 program enhances this by giving emerging designers access to exclusive industry gatherings where they can build relationships with sponsors, suppliers and established professionals. These connections often lead to career advancements and lifelong communities that would be difficult to achieve through online networking alone.

By prioritising access to resources through programs like ADR’s 30UNDER30, the A&D community can thrive in an environment where creativity flourishes and Australia benefits from its fruits. Simply put, it’s a holistic way of building communities that strengthen the industry from the ground up. 

Learn more about ADR’s 30UNDER30 program and talk to Niche Content about developing and launching your successful community building program.