The Young Designers Networking Group, or “YoDeNG,” is the official AIANN committee geared toward helping the next generation of architects as they embark on this wonderful and rewarding career. Our goal is simple: to assist new and inspiring design professionals in fulfilling their career goals. To achieve this, YoDeNG helps members grow their professional network and provides resources to those who are still completing their licensure requirements by hosting fun yet meaningful events designed to help young architects form connections, share ideas and learn from one another, all while having fun at popular local establishments.

Since its formation, YoDeNG has helped countless members as they transition from the academic world into the workplace. Because architecture requires individuals from multiple disciplines to collaborate in every phase of a project — from schematic design to construction administration — we have expanded our networking activities in recent years to include not only young architects but also engineers, contractors and other design professionals in the Northern Nevada area.

2023 was a great year for YoDeNG! We held several fun events, such as a mixer at Playfield 76, an awesome bar that has a wide array of arcade games, plus delicious drinks and food! The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Specifically, members mentioned they enjoyed having so much fun with their peers, in addition to gaining valuable insight from more experienced members who were eager to mentor those at the start of their careers!

For the upcoming year, we plan to continue our highly popular mixers and add additional opportunities for younger members to receive mentoring from more experienced professionals.

If you are interested in networking, finding study partners or just want to grab some drinks and talk about your exciting life as a design professional, we invite you to join us! Stay tuned to learn when and where our upcoming events will take place!