ABS x Hoskins Architects Speed Mentoring – 09.05.2024

Words by Melanie Hay, ABS Ambassador and Associate at Hoskins Architects

Last Thursday night, we held the first ABS x Hoskins Architects Speed Mentoring Event in a unique new hotel in Glasgow’s city centre.

As an ambassador for the Architects Benevolent Society (ABS), I took on the challenge of organising the event to raise money for the charity and had the job of compering. Now that my ears have stopped ringing from all that horn-honking on the night, I have had a chance to reflect.

As someone who has struggled with self-confidence, I know first-hand how important mentoring is and the difference it can make. The fast-paced format of the evening allowed us to bring the benefits of mentoring to our mentees in a fun, accessible way, allowing them to engage with various voices and viewpoints in one night. Seeing the space come alive with such positive energy was incredible, and it was heartening to witness so many people engaged in supportive conversations.

© Kalisterscope Photography

Even though many of our mentors were unfamiliar with the concept of speed mentoring beforehand, I want to thank everyone for agreeing to take part and for their generosity in giving up their time to share their experiences and support the mentees.

I would also like to thank all the mentees who arrived with such enthusiasm, open minds, and curiosity. Feedback from our mentors has been that they learned as much from you as you may have from them.

The beautiful venue and hospitality provided by AC Hotels by Marriott really set the scene for a successful event. I’d like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors Altro Limited and Solus for their generous contributions, which helped make the evening special.

The Liberty Suite, or former Board Room of the Category A-listed Parish Halls, provided an exquisite backdrop for the evening’s activities, and it was apt that we could hold the event in a building that we at Hoskins Architects have worked so hard on over the last few years. Our photographer Kalisterscope Photography captured the festivities perfectly. Suzanne took some lovely shots that really captured the spirit of the evening and miraculously managed to avoid any photos of people wincing at the horn!

© Kalisterscope Photography

Together, we managed to raise £340 for the Architects Benevolent Society, a cause that is close to my heart, thanks to the generosity of our charity raffle supporters, Ambassador Theatre Group, Urban Realm, and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

The feedback we have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and I hope this is just the beginning of a series of successful events. Together, we can create a community of wellbeing support for built environment professionals in Scotland’s central belt. Your participation and support have made this possible, and I am truly grateful.

Our mentors:

Scott Abercrombie Ben Adam Laura James Nick Walker Felicity Steers Nicola McLachlan Michael Dougall FRIAS Fiona McCoy Gordon Gibb Thomas Hamilton Caroline Dearden Chris Stewart PRIAS John Brown Nicky Thomson Christopher McElroy Chris McGlennon Kenneth Imrie Kathy Li Sarah Brown Fiona Sinclair

Special thanks also to Joanne Hall and Maya Büchner for all their help on the evening.