From Student to Summit: A Rising Voice in the Built Environment
-
Email
-
Facebook
-
Linkedin
-
Twitter
-
Whatsapp
10 November 2025
After winning a prestigious RICS student competition, Samuel Uher earned a coveted place at the RICS Built Environment European Summit 2025. Now, he shares his experience in an exclusive Q&A, offering insights into the future of the profession, the power of student voices, and what it’s like to be part of a global conversation shaping the built environment.
1. Congratulations on winning the Student competition! Can you tell us a bit about the competition and what it involved and how you came to win it?
Thank you for the question. The competition I took part in was the International Real Estate Challenge (IREC) – an annual project hosted at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano University, which grows in popularity each year. I was nominated to represent my home university, the Slovak Technical University, where I study Investment in Industrial Enterprises. Under the guidance of my lecturer, Ing. Andrej Adamuščin, PhD. together with my few colleagues, we received plenty of information and inspiration, and full of energy, we accepted the challenge ahead. The project itself is a “Challenge within a challenge,” as the amazing Professor Marzia Morena - one of the main pillars of the IREC project - likes to describe it.
To elaborate: students from universities all around the world gather at the Politecnico di Milano University and are divided into international teams consisting of people who have never met before. Each team is then assigned to a different city such as Dublin, Brussels, London, Barcelona, or Valencia (and many more) where they are presented with a fictional client brief. During their stay, participants have the opportunity to explore the city, experience its culture, and strengthen their teamwork before returning to Milan to complete the project within five intense days.
The key is to deeply understand the client’s needs, identify the right location, and build a strong concept that drives the entire project. At the end of the week, teams present their proposals to a panel of professors from the participating universities. The best teams are then selected to present again, this time to an independent jury of real estate professionals, valuers, and ESG experts. That’s what I call “A challenge within a challenge”!
The whole experience is full of emotions, determination, strong nerves, and unforgettable memories and friendships formed through this short but intense journey.
And to answer the second part of the question - What did it take to win? It took blood, sweat, and tears but it was all worth it. Of course, I’m joking. But if I had to summarize it in one sentence, I would say: Roberta, Federico, Gaetano, Leonora and you, Aleš - my amazing team with whom we achieved our well-deserved first place.
Samuel Uher, winner of competition.
2. What were your key takeaways from the conference? Professionally, academically or personally?
Attending the Built Environment European Summit 2025 in Hungary was an incredibly inspiring experience. The event was filled with fresh ideas, meaningful discussions, and passionate professionals dedicated to transforming the world we live in.
The key takeaway for me was the importance of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the future of the built environment. The conversations at the conference reminded me how essential it is to share knowledge and work together toward creating more resilient and inclusive communities. Professionally, it expanded my understanding of global industry trends and connected me with inspiring individuals across Europe. Personally, and academically, it motivated me to stay curious and proactive in contributing to a more sustainable and forward-thinking real estate industry.
3. What did you enjoy most about visiting Budapest for the conference?
What I enjoyed the most about Budapest was its beautiful architecture, welcoming people, and the opportunity to discover a place that was completely new to me. The private castle tour and the boat tour along the Danube, both organized by the amazing RICS team, were truly memorable experiences.
As it was my first time visiting Hungary’s capital, I would definitely recommend others to visit if they ever find themselves exploring Central Europe - it’s a wonderful city! And while you’re at it, I also warmly encourage everyone to visit my home country, Slovakia, just next door.
The trip also gave me a chance to reconnect with my friends from the IREC team, who were also invited to the BEES conference as a reward for our previous success - something I am truly grateful for.
4. What advice would you give to other RICS students who want to get involved in competitions or attend international events like BEES?
I’m not here to tell anyone what to do with their life, but here’s my honest advice: If you ever feel the urge to grow, to challenge yourself, or to do something meaningful - go for it. Take on the next challenge you find, whether it’s at work, at university, or in your personal life. Every experience teaches you something valuable.
Sometimes it will push you professionally, other times it will help you grow as a person - either way, you can’t lose. At worst, you’ll discover what you don’t enjoy doing, and that’s still a good lesson. But if it inspires you and pushes you forward, then you’ll thank yourself later.
The BEES conference was, for me, an extremely welcoming and motivating event that brought together so many talented individuals willing to share their knowledge and experiences. It only takes a bit of courage to step out of your comfort zone - just like I did. I’m grateful for the support I received from those around me, especially from my wife, who gave me the final push to take part. So my advice is simple: do something for yourself and say yes to the next challenge life throws your way.
5. If you could summarize your BEES experience in three words, what would they be?
Environment. Future. Connections.
Team IREC photo.
