As the built environment grapples with skills shortages, retention challenges and growing demands on the profession, the NLA Shape Your Path roundtable brought together voices from across the sector to discuss what it takes not only to enter the profession, but to build a sustainable career within it. From emerging professionals to senior leaders, the discussion found members of Next Gen committees and architectural assistants sitting alongside founders, CEOs, board members, and directors, representing organisations including Landsec, Morris + Company, Open City, HTA, and the London School of Architecture. 

While much of the conversation focused on growth, investment and the sector's contribution to the economy, participants repeatedly returned to a simple point, these challenges ultimately affect people. Decisions about funding, project pipelines and wages shape who can afford to enter the profession, who progresses within it, and who chooses to leave. 

A significant part of the discussion focused on how the built environment is positioned as a key driver of economic growth in the UK. Participants reflected on ongoing efforts to demonstrate the sector's contribution to national prosperity and secure greater recognition from government. 

Underpinning much of this conversation was pay. Many roles within the built environment remain underpaid relative to the skills and responsibility they demand, and this has knock-on effects for retention and progression, ultimately acting as a barrier for young people both entering and staying in the profession. Participants noted that these pressures are increasingly contributing to talented individuals seeking opportunities elsewhere, beyond the sector. 

It was striking to hear directors speak candidly about the realities of managing risk: projects being paused or delayed, the instability of income streams, and the challenge of advocating for greater recognition of the sector's economic and social value. 

Alongside these structural challenges, participants reflected on the less visible barriers shaping people's experiences in the profession. For many, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, entering the built environment means more than learning technical skills; it involves navigating unfamiliar cultures, language and expectations. 

A recurring theme was the importance of community. Participants highlighted the role of mentors, peer networks and informal support systems in building confidence, opening opportunities and helping people stay in the profession. 

Alongside the challenges, participants also reflected on what keeps people in the sector. Many spoke about the opportunity to shape places, contribute to communities and work on issues that have a tangible impact on people's lives. Despite frustrations around pay, progression and industry culture, there was a clear sense that the purpose and social value of the work remains a powerful source of motivation. 

The conversation also questioned what kind of profession we are preparing people to join. As one contributor put it, "I want to build an industry that I want to stay in." That sentiment resonated with many around the table. Participants reflected on how a profession that shapes the places where people live, learn and work must better align its ambitions around inclusion, sustainability and social value with the realities of practice. 

The conversation then turned to something more immediately actionable: how do we create stronger career pathways for emerging professionals, with an emphasis on shorter-term, achievable impact? 

One theme came up repeatedly, the importance of ensuring younger voices are heard and included in conversations often considered "above their level." Exposing emerging professionals to important discussions and decision-making processes early on was seen as key to building both capability and confidence. 

Some of the suggested actions included: 

Perhaps the strongest message from the discussion was that the future of the built environment cannot be separated from the people who deliver it. The sector's ambitions around growth, sustainability and social value rely on attracting and retaining talented people from all backgrounds. Building a stronger profession therefore requires more than investment in projects and places. It requires investment in people, creating pathways, cultures and opportunities that enable the next generation not only to enter the industry, but to see a future within it.