Along with The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) we are pleased to be co-hosting a morning networking and continuing professional development (CPD) event for FMB and RIAS members in Edinburgh. This event will connect builders with architects and share ways for builders and architects to collaborate more effectively.
Who is hosting?
Join FMB Scotland Director, Gordon Nelson, and RIAS Head of Practice, Zoe Black as they welcome a Construction expert from Dentons solicitors.
Who is it for?
If you own or help to run an FMB member company, this event is for you.
As it’s over brunch, it’s a great way to make time for some business strategy in your working day and make new connections and develop working relationships with architects.
Why should I attend?
- Network with other likeminded construction professionals from in and around Edinburgh.
- Share ideas and learn what works for other businesses.
- Hear new insights that could be valuable to your business.
- Connect with local architects who are looking to work with trusted builders.
Agenda
- 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM. Breakfast and networking
- 9:00 AM - 9:05 AM. Why use a Chartered Architect? Zoe Black
- 9:05 AM - 9:10 AM. Why Use a Master Builder? Gordon Nelson
- 09:10 - 09:30 AM. Speaking the Same Language: Contracts as tools for partnership not just protection - Kirsti Olsen
- 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM. Audience Q&A
Breakfast is included in the ticket price. Please book your place on the Eventbrite listing here.
Hosts
Zoe Black
Zoe Black is Head of Practice at RIAS. Joining the team just over 2 years ago she has a keen interest in contracts, appointments and ensuring RIAS practices have access to resources to ease the strain of running an architectural business. Previously Zoe worked for a 3D architectural production company and began her career as an Architect after graduating with a Masters in Architecture from Edinburgh University. Following more recent self-employed work on small scale domestic projects she is now content assisting other practices in her role at RIAS.
Gordon Nelson
Gordon has twenty years’ experience of working in membership organisations in Scotland and joined the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in 2014. His responsibilities as the Director for the FMB in Scotland include policy and public affairs, media relations, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Gordon was the Secretary of the Cross-Party Group on Construction in the Scottish Parliament for 6 years and is an active member of the Scottish Building Standards Futures Board. Gordon is an industry co-chair of the Construction Leaderships Forum’s (CLF) Transformation Board.
Kirsti Olson
Kirsti is a partner in the Projects team at Dentons in Edinburgh. Dual qualified in Scotland and England, for the last 30 years Kirsti has helped clients resolve multi million pound issues arising out of transport projects (rail and roads), energy projects (rig construction, offshore decommissioning and renewables) and PFI/PPP/large infrastructure projects (schools, hospitals, prisons and roads), in the UK and internationally. Kirsti is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers 2026 for Construction in Scotland and as a Leading Individual in Construction in the Legal 500 2026.
About the RIAS
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) was founded in 1916 as the professional body for all chartered architects in Scotland and is the foremost Institute in the country dealing with architecture and the built environment.