Let’s look to the next generation

They have been blown away by the passion, humility, professionalism and commitment of the 113 undergraduates who sat before them – most recently the 14 contenders in the 2022 national Best of the Best Final, whose national winner included Edinburgh University architecture student Tallulah Bannerman (pictured).

But something else has emerged over the past few years. Research published by Microsoft in July noted that 40% of millennial and Gen Z workers want a sense of purpose or meaning as workplace priorities. These generations are driven by more than the prospect of a generous salary. Our Student Awards cohort this year talked about wanting to work for businesses that shared their values, environmental goals and social ethos.

As Bannerman said: “I hope my future in the built environment will allow me to fulfil a deep-rooted desire to contribute to social and economic justice.”

I and my fellow judges from Amazon, Bouygues, Savills and tp bennett were humbled and inspired. As we also were by keynote speaker Jane Findlay, immediate past president of the Landscape Institute, who said: “This is a watershed moment for the built environment. Against the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and public health, all eyes and hopes are on the next generation to deliver infrastructure that transforms our lives for the better.”

One thing is certain: we ignore this generation at our peril. Theirs is a value system that will not tolerate half measures, environmental immorality or a diminishment of the health and wellbeing of the disadvantaged in society.

They will become invaluable team members – the leaders of tomorrow. So, having got them on board, let’s not let them down. If their values, ethics and integrity are not reciprocated, we will lose these incredibly capable professionals, either to our competitors or – worse still – they will leave the industry altogether, which would be a waste.

Nicola Jones is national chair of Women in Property