Event Recap: Work Reimagined "Learning from our F*** Ups"

On July 11th, Sydney's design community gathered for an unforgettable evening at the Brickworks Sydney Design Studio for "Work Reimagined: Learning from our F*** Ups." This event brought together professionals within architecture and design to share candid stories of their professional journeys, celebrating the lessons learned from their missteps and challenges.

Embracing Reality and Learning from Mistakes

"Work Reimagined" was not just another industry event. It was a candid exploration of the "What was I thinking?" moments, the unforeseen hurdles, and the invaluable insights gained from plans that veered off course. This event provided a rare peek behind the architectural curtain, celebrating the intricate and often bumpy journey of innovation and the learning that comes from every misstep.

Inspired by the F**K Up Nights movement, the event aimed to build a community that finds strength in vulnerability and imperfection, seeing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Attendees ditched the glossy editorials for true stories of building careers in design and creating spaces that define our environment.

Inspiring Stories from Leading Architects

The lineup of speakers did not disappoint, each bringing a unique perspective to the table:

Ben Peake, Principal at Carter Williamson Architects, kicked things off with his talk "Fucking Around" where he reflected on the early years of his life trying to navigate the number of unknowns and random experiences that led him to architecture. These hurdles encountered during his life and career, underscored the value of learning from every experience or setback and using those lessons to fuel future successes. Ben's journey was a humble reminder for the audience that it's okay to not know what you are doing in life, and sometimes these experiences are what make our success.
Hannah Tribe, Principal at Tribe Studio Architects, followed second and dove straight into a pain point that many in the audience could relate to. There were audible nos and gasps of shock as she captivated the audience with tales of a client relationship that didn't pan out as expected. A series of bad and misinformed decisions by a client lead to an unsatisfied outcome which weighed heavily on Hannah early in her career. However, as time passed the resulting project had a silver lining turning into a catalyst for her studio, highlighting that resilience is key in
Melonie Bayl-Smith, Director at Bijl Architecture, brought everything home as she captivated the audience by sharing her personal journey through various projects, the growth of her career, and the establishment of her practice. Her opening slide featured a car crash, symbolizing the reality that things rarely go as planned. This set the stage for her to underscore the importance of adaptability and owning one's mistakes when faced with unexpected challenges. With each subsequent slide, we gained deeper insights into her career trajectory and the ultimate creation of Bijl Architecture. Her presentation resonated with everyone in the audience, from recent graduates to seasoned directors, highlighting the necessity for greater openness within the industry. By sharing our experiences, we can learn from our mistakes and avoid repeating them.

Key Takeaways

Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: The central message of the event was that failure should not be feared but embraced as a powerful learning tool. Each mistake is an opportunity to gain insights and improve future practices.
The Importance of Resilience: Speakers emphasised the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. The ability to bounce back and persist through challenges is crucial for long-term success in architecture and design.
Community and Collaboration: The event highlighted the value of a strong professional community. By sharing experiences and supporting one another, professionals can collectively navigate the ups and downs of their careers.

Looking Forward

As the evening ended, participants left with a renewed sense of motivation and a wealth of practical insights to apply in their professional journeys. The event not only celebrated the collective wisdom gained from past failures but also inspired a forward-looking perspective on achieving success in the ever-evolving world of architecture and design.

With its impactful discussions, engaging workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities, "Work Reimagined" set a new standard for industry events. It demonstrated that by learning from our f*** ups and supporting one another, we can reimagine and elevate our work to new heights

Don't miss our next event in Brisbane on August 29th, featuring guest speakers:

Rebecca Caldwell - Director at Maytree Studios
Troy Casey - Managing Director at Blaklash
Johnny Hyde - Director at OH Architecture
Poppie Kenneally - Director at OH Architecture
Stuart Vokes - Director at Vokes and Peters

Tickets available at Humanitix