The value of mentorship in architecture

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 – are all challenges for early-career professionals.

That’s why having access to support and advice from an experienced designer who’s travelled the same path is invaluable. They’ve been there and understand the challenges.

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.

Why mentoring matters for the industry

The beauty of an architect mentorship programme is that it’s a two-way street. For mentees, it’s 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.

For mentors, it’s a chance to give back to the industry. You’ll 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 broaden your creative perspective with new thinking.

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.

Mentoring for women in architecture

We’re 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’re proud to sponsor the Women in Architecture (WIA) Mentoring Programme in 2025.

WIA’s 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.

To mark the end of the 2024 Women in Architecture Mentoring Programme, mentors and mentees shared thoughts about their experience.

“It has been absolutely amazing to be a mentor,” says Sabrina Klor, COO and Principal at Broadway Malyan. “I 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.”

Mentorship is immensely valuable for women, who are often encouraged to “tone themselves down or have more reservations about their ability, so having an external voice is extremely helpful”, says Jean Wang, architect at Perkins & Will London.

“Having 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,” says Laura Cushnie, architect at Weston Williamson + Partners.

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’t underestimate the benefit of sharing this knowledge.”

How to get involved in an architect mentorship programme

Keen to get involved in a mentorship programme? There’s a range of avenues you can take, formal and informal, no matter where you are.

If you’re 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’re well-structured. You’ll be paired with an experienced architect who can guide you through challenges and help you grow.

Alternatively, if you work in a larger firm, there may already be internal mentoring initiatives in place. Don’t hesitate to approach senior colleagues whose work you admire – they’re often more than willing to share their wisdom.

If you’re 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.

The elements of effective mentorship

Most mentorship programmes follow a typical structure. Whether you’re looking to set up a mentoring scheme within your workplace, or want to be a mentee and aren’t sure what to expect from the process, here are the key elements of formal mentorship programmes:

1. Pairing up

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.

2. Goal Setting

Once you’re 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.

3. Regular meetings

To maintain momentum, regular face time is essential. You can expect to commit to scheduled catch-ups, monthly or quarterly.

4. Access to training resources

In formally structured programmes, mentors are provided with guidelines and tools to guide their mentees. If you’re mentoring someone on a more ad-hoc basis, it’s still a good idea to build a bank of learning resources to share with your mentee.

5. Review and reflection time

Keeping track of what’s discussed at meetings is essential for periodic reviews. Mentoring programmes should have a regular feedback mechanism so each participant can reflect on where they’re at, and make improvements as needed.

Talk to Us

Mentorship provides a foundation of support and shared knowledge that helps individuals and the industry as a whole. For more advice and tips on where to find mentorship programmes and how to get involved, contact the Bespoke Careers team. We are an architecture and design recruitment agency that champions professional development for everyone in the field. Reach out to us for help in making your next career move or hiring for your team – we’d love to help!