25 September 2025 – REDAS, in collaboration with our member Cundall, welcomed over 40 professionals from across the built environment sector to the Next Gen, Next Norms mixer. This fresh take on networking was designed to spark bold conversations about the future of real estate, while fostering meaningful connections among a rising generation of leaders.
Sparking Conversation with “Next Norm” Prompts
Unlike a typical networking session, participants were invited to choose from a set of light-hearted “Next Norm” prompts that reflected emerging themes in the built environment. Options such as Retrofit First, Performance Proof, Comfort is Profit, Waste Kills Margin, and Impact is Currency served as playful conversation starters, helping guests find their “norm-ally” – someone who shared their view or interest.
The prompts kept conversations purposeful while still fun, encouraging guests to think about how these shifts might reshape the industry.
Conversations Across Disciplines
Over light bites and drinks, participants from development, design, investment, public service and research engaged in animated discussions. Innovators shared perspectives on the changing value drivers in real estate – from reducing carbon intensity to improving user comfort and aligning profit models with sustainability outcomes.
This cross-pollination of ideas was central to the evening’s design: by placing individuals from diverse professional backgrounds together, the mixer created opportunities for candid exchanges that often get lost in formal conferences.
Community and Collaboration
As conversations flowed, several themes resonated strongly. Performance Proof sparked debate on the importance of delivering measurable outcomes to sustain credibility. Comfort is Profit drew attention to user experience as a driver of long-term value creation. These reflections highlighted the industry’s growing appetite for collaborative approaches to pressing challenges.
Closing Reflections
The Next Gen, Next Norms mixer demonstrated how a simple, interactive format can unlock thoughtful dialogue and build stronger connections within the REDAS community. We extend our thanks to Cundall for being such a generous host, and to all who joined us in exploring the norms that will shape the future of the built environment.
