Mentor the next generation of architects
Serving as a mentor offers powerful personal and professional benefits, including stronger leadership development and greater confidence in communication and management skills.
Through AIA, you can explore opportunities to become a mentor, give back to the profession, and help emerging professionals grow—while leaving a lasting impact on the future of architecture.
Connect with AIA’s mentorship programs
Explore mentorship programs offered through AIA chapters, committees, and member groups, and connect directly to learn more and get involved.
Don’t see your mentorship program listed? Submit a request to be added.
Ready to become a mentor?
- Take Becoming an Inclusive Mentor in Architecture course on AIAU
- Connect with your local chapter
- Explore mentorship opportunities and resources below
- Participate in AIA Architecture Week
Architecture Week invites everyone to celebrate the profession of architecture, especially K-12 students. We all play key roles in educating and inspiring the next generation of architects. Let's build the pipeline together. - Connect with your local chapter
Most chapters offer mentorship programs for their members. If yours doesn’t have a formal program, they often know of emerging professionals or student groups that would be interested in a mentor. - Become an NCARB Licensing Advisor
These mentor volunteers provide guidance to architectural licensure candidates on navigating NCARB’s AXP, ARE, and certification requirements. - Volunteer for ACE Mentor
This free, after-school mentoring program connects high school students with architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Mentors guide teams through real-world design challenges while promoting diversity, early career exposure, and scholarship opportunities. - Volunteer for NOMA Project Pipeline
A NOMA-led program that empowers youth—especially students of color—to explore architecture by using the city as a classroom. Through summer camps and design-build experiences, students create meaningful projects, engage with architects and planners, and build skills in civic design.
- Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring – MENTOR
Gold-standard, evidence-based guidance with 16 elements for high-quality mentoring programs. Includes supplements for e-mentoring, peer, group, and workplace contexts. - Mentoring Toolkit – GWU Center for Faculty Excellence
Practical toolkit with definitions, self-assessments, goal-setting tools, communication guidance, and meeting checklists. - Becoming a Better Mentor – MENTOR
Practical guide for mentors working with young people, offering strategies to build trust, set goals, provide feedback, and support equitable development. - Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (EEPM) – MENTOR
Evidence-based checklist (Version 5) outlining essential practices for high-quality mentoring programs, including guidance on inclusion, structure, and program management. - AIA Guides for Equitable Practice: Intercultural Competence
Second edition guide providing strategies for mentors and professionals to build intercultural awareness, foster inclusion, and engage respectfully across diverse perspectives. - AIA Guides for Equitable Practice: Mentorship and Sponsorship
Second edition guide focused on effective mentoring and sponsorship practices, emphasizing equitable access, professional development, and relationship-building strategies. - Mentoring Programme Guidance: Information for Mentors and Mentees – RIBA
Practical handbook for RIBA mentoring programs, covering roles, responsibilities, expectations, and tips for successful mentor–mentee engagement.
Not sure if mentorship is right for you?
Consider the following before becoming a mentor:
Do you have time to commit to a mentoring relationship?
Are you comfortable leading conversations with new people?
Are you patient, empathetic, and open to listening?
Can you offer feedback and advice that is constructive and growth-focused?
If you’re unsure, connect with colleagues who have served as mentors or start with AIA’s free AIAU course to your build confidence and skills as an effective mentor.