10+ Mentorship Programmes for Architects and Designers
To help you get started with mentorship, we have compiled a list of the best mentorship programs for architects around the world.
Finding a mentor in architecture and design isn’t always easy. The industry is full of strong personalities, which can make it difficult to connect with someone who aligns with your approach to design, career growth, and work-life balance. Many early-career architects face the same challenges: figuring out how to navigate professional development, where to seek guidance, and whether their current path is the right one.
Online resources can be helpful, but in-person mentorship is often more personal and transformative. Hearing advice from someone you respect resonates more and can have a lasting impact.
And if you are looking to give back, becoming a mentor can be just as rewarding as finding one.
Check out some of our top picks for mentorship programmes in the UK, Australia and US.
United Kingdom
Women in Architecture Mentorship Programme
The Women in Architecture (WIA) mentoring programme is a six-month initiative supporting women in architecture at all stages of their careers. Since its inception, the programme has grown from 20 mentor-mentee pairs to over 170 in 2024, highlighting its success in empowering women in the field.
Running from January to June 2025, the programme offers monthly workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, culminating in an in-person celebration in July. It provides tailored support for mentees and mentors, helping participants set goals, navigate career paths, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
Applications for mentees for 2025 are now closed, but latecomer mentor applications are still being accepted. Key events include online masterclasses for mentees and mentors, career workshops, and inspiring discussions with female leaders.
RIBA Future Architects Mentoring Scheme
The RIBA Future Architects mentoring scheme bridges the gap between education and practice, offering architecture students valuable insights and experience to prepare for their careers. In the 2023/24 cycle, the programme supported 1,500 students from 45 RIBA-validated Schools of Architecture, partnering with 375 Chartered Practices.
Students meet with experienced mentors over three sessions, gaining practical advice, developing key skills, and exploring career pathways. Participants receive personalised guidance, professional references, and an introduction to the realities of architectural practice.
Architects from RIBA Chartered Practices can mentor students, providing support while earning CPD points. This is a unique opportunity for students to connect with professionals and build their networks for the future.
The FLUID Diversity Mentoring Programme
FLUID is an award-winning mentoring programme designed to support underrepresented talent in the built environment. Over 12 months, mentees receive guidance from experienced industry professionals, helping them navigate career progression and challenges.
The programme is open to students, early-career professionals, and managers, with a focus on supporting those who face intersectional barriers to success. Mentors and mentees commit to monthly meetings, gaining fresh perspectives and insights along the way.
Black Females in Architecture
Black Females in Architecture (BFA) and The London School of Architecture (LSA) have partnered to support Black women and non-binary individuals in architectural education and professional development. This collaboration focuses on networking, advocacy, and increasing representation in the built environment.
BFA is also celebrating the success of its first Mentorship Programme, led by Alice Farmer and Stephanie Adebayo, which has connected aspiring architects with industry professionals.
Creative Mentor Network
While not exclusively for architects and designers, the Creative Mentor Network supports emerging talent across the creative industries by connecting them with experienced mentors. Through structured mentorship programmes, CMN helps aspiring professionals build confidence, expand their networks, and access career opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and diverse creative sector.
Australia
AIA National Mentorship Programme
The Australian Institute of Architects’ National Mentoring Program connects architecture professionals at all career stages, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional development. This structured initiative is open to students, graduates, and practitioners, creating an environment for sharing knowledge and experiences across the industry.
Participants are matched based on their goals, preferences, and experience levels, ensuring meaningful and supportive mentor-mentee relationships. The program runs annually, with flexible meeting formats, including online and in-person sessions, allowing participants to tailor their mentoring journey.
This is a valuable opportunity to gain industry insights, develop career strategies, and expand professional networks.
Griffith University Mentoring Program
The Griffith Architecture, Industrial Design, and Planning Mentoring Program supports first-year students by connecting them with experienced mentors who offer guidance, practical advice, and a sense of community. The program helps students navigate university life, engage in learning and social events, and build confidence in their studies. Through peer mentoring, students are more likely to succeed academically and adjust smoothly to the university and studio environment.
United States
AIA NY Torch Mentorship Program
The AIA NY Torch Mentorship Program connects aspiring and emerging architects with experienced professionals to encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and career development. The program is designed to support the next generation of architects while celebrating the contributions of AIANY’s Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) Committee and recognised leaders in the field.
Through structured one-on-one mentoring and group sessions, participants engage in discussions about career advancement, project experiences, and leadership. The program is open to Associate AIANY members and student members, providing a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections within the architecture community.
ACE Mentor Program of America
The ACE Mentoring Program supports students interested in careers in architecture, construction, and engineering by pairing them with industry professionals who provide guidance, real-world insights, and hands-on learning experiences. Designed to bridge the gap between education and practice, the program helps students explore career paths, develop technical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the built environment.
High school students participate in team-based projects, working alongside architects, engineers, and construction managers on design challenges that mirror real industry scenarios. Through mentorship, site visits, and workshops, participants gain practical knowledge, build confidence, and establish valuable connections that can shape their future careers.
The program runs annually, with mentors from leading firms volunteering their time to support the next generation of professionals. Students also have the opportunity to apply for ACE scholarships, further supporting their educational and career aspirations.
True North
True North is a mentorship program by NCNOMA (North Carolina Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects) designed to support underrepresented students and emerging professionals in architecture.
Through mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities, the program connects participants with experienced architects who provide guidance on career development, licensure, and navigating the profession. NCNOMA is part of the broader NOMA network, which advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in architecture by fostering community, professional growth, and leadership among minority architects and designers.
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