As architects or designers, we all started somewhere. In those early days, the transition from theory to practice can feel overwhelming. The learning curve is steep. Knowing which skills to develop, fighting impostor syndrome, managing colleague and client relationships \u2013 are all challenges for early-career professionals.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why having access to support and advice from an experienced designer who\u2019s travelled the same path is invaluable. They\u2019ve been there and understand the challenges.<\/p>\n
As architecture and design recruitment specialists, we recognise how important mentorships are for nurturing industry talent. Those who participate are often enriched and inspired by the experience.<\/p>\n
The beauty of an architect mentorship programme is that it\u2019s a two-way street. For mentees, it\u2019s an opportunity to gain confidence, overcome barriers, refine your technical and creative skills, and build a network that will keep opening doors throughout your career.<\/p>\n
For mentors, it\u2019s a chance to give back to the industry. You\u2019ll share your hard-earned knowledge and even gain new skills from the next generation of architects. Mentoring others is a fantastic way to develop your leadership skills and<\/em> broaden your creative perspective with new thinking.<\/p>\n The benefits of mentorship feed back into the architecture and design sector in multiple ways, but especially in terms of professional engagement and longevity. Architects of all experience levels can feel better supported in carving a long-term career in the industry and staying creative without burning out<\/a>.<\/p>\n We\u2019re passionate about actively supporting mentorship opportunities that will support emerging talent and sustain the industry for many years to come. As part of that mission, we\u2019re proud to sponsor the Women in Architecture (WIA) Mentoring Programme<\/a> in 2025.<\/p>\n WIA\u2019s Architect mentorship programme runs annually from January to June, following an application phase in October. After being paired with a mentor, mentees can also participate in monthly workshops and group discussions. WIA has also opened its doors to professionals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, including those working client-side, landscape architects, project managers, and more.<\/p>\n To mark the end of the 2024 Women in Architecture Mentoring Programme<\/a>, mentors and mentees shared thoughts about their experience.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been absolutely amazing to be a mentor,\u201d says Sabrina Klor<\/a>, COO and Principal at Broadway Malyan. \u201cI think to hear from someone that has done it before, it gives you a lot of relief that things are going to be all right, that whatever you’re going through, you can overcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Mentorship is immensely valuable for women, who are often encouraged to \u201ctone themselves down or have more reservations about their ability, so having an external voice is extremely helpful\u201d, says Jean Wang<\/a>, architect at Perkins & Will London.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving a mentor and being part of the group mentoring scheme allows you to experience other people’s stories and empathise with them and feel listened to and heard, and reflect on my own career in a really positive way,\u201d says Laura Cushnie<\/a>, architect at Weston Williamson + Partners.<\/p>\n Bespoke Careers Managing Director, Jimmy Bent, who has recently joined the programme as a mentor says, “many of us have gained invaluable experience working within the built environment over decades, and we shouldn\u2019t underestimate the benefit of sharing this knowledge.”<\/p>\n Keen to get involved in a mentorship programme? There\u2019s a range of avenues you can take, formal and informal, no matter where you are.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re early in your career, one place to start is by exploring formal mentorship programmes offered by your local professional association. The benefit of these programmes is that they\u2019re well-structured. You\u2019ll be paired with an experienced architect who can guide you through challenges and help you grow.<\/p>\n Alternatively, if you work in a larger firm, there may already be internal mentoring initiatives in place. Don\u2019t hesitate to approach senior colleagues whose work you admire \u2013 they\u2019re often more than willing to share their wisdom.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re interested in mentoring someone, look for options within your organisation to either set up a formal programme or initiate a one-on-one relationship. Prefer an external option? Industry bodies will have resources and structured programmes to get you started.<\/p>\n Most mentorship programmes follow a typical structure. Whether you\u2019re looking to set up a mentoring scheme within your workplace, or want to be a mentee and aren\u2019t sure what to expect from the process, here are the key elements of formal mentorship programmes:<\/a><\/p>\n To ensure a productive relationship, the process kicks off with appropriate pairing. Mentors and mentees are paired based on shared interests, career goals and areas of expertise.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re paired, the next step is to define the goals and expectations of the mentorship. Both the mentor and mentee will outline what they hope to achieve.<\/p>\n To maintain momentum, regular face time is essential. You can expect to commit to scheduled catch-ups, monthly or quarterly.<\/p>\n In formally structured programmes, mentors are provided with guidelines and tools to guide their mentees. If you\u2019re mentoring someone on a more ad-hoc basis, it\u2019s still a good idea to build a bank of learning resources to share with your mentee.<\/p>\n Keeping track of what\u2019s discussed at meetings is essential for periodic reviews. Mentoring programmes should have a regular feedback mechanism so each participant can reflect on where they\u2019re at, and make improvements as needed.<\/p>\nMentoring for women in architecture<\/h2>\n
How to get involved in an architect mentorship programme<\/h2>\n
The elements of effective mentorship<\/h2>\n
1. Pairing up<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Goal Setting<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Regular meetings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Access to training resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Review and reflection time<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Talk to Us<\/h2>\n