Career Advice

Blueprint for All – Building Futures participants

The following case studies highlight individuals supported by Blueprint for All as they begin their journeys into the architecture and design industry. With access to guidance, financial support, mentoring and opportunities, they have been able to overcome barriers and build confidence. Their experiences show the impact of opening doors to a sector where talent should not be limited by background.

Meet Oscar

“I was really, really scared. I lacked confidence but I was really motivated to go in and get the experience. It wasn’t just the bursary, it was also the confidence that it gave me to feel like the charity believed in me, in my potential, gave me that confidence to think I can actually do this. If it wasn’t for Blueprint for All, I would never have become an architect, that is a fact.”

Oscar, now a Principal Architect at Jacobs, whose journey started with a single work experience placement arranged through Blueprint for All. With their support, Oscar was able to access the financial, and the personal support he needed to access the industry.

Meet Jubilee

“I’m sure a lot of people know that architecture isn’t the easiest profession to get into, it’s a lot of work and there are a lot of things involved in becoming an architect.

When I graduated from university, I actually came up against some personal issues that meant that my plans towards becoming an architect changed; so it was in that moment, learning to be resilient, and think about ways that I could overcome challenges. For example, I couldn’t work or go to uni at that time. So having access Blueprint for All and the Building Futures programme, where I could get mentoring and where I could speak to someone about the things that I was struggling with in terms of becoming an architect, and thinking about ways to continue progressing through challenges really helped me. Blueprint for All has really helped me in navigating the profession, and being able to have monthly mentoring meetings for about 2 years now has really helped me be able to have someone to get advice from about my work, about becoming an architect, about doing masters and this kind of stuff.

My mentor was a part 3 architect at the time I started having mentorship and now she’s an architect, so it’s actually nice to have someone who’s like gone through the same journey as me, but in real time, so that I can kind of understand what’s to come and understand what’s involved in becoming an architect. I’m still very much at the start of my journey in architecture. I guess I’ve been on this journey for about 6 years now and I’ve had experience in education and a little bit in terms of work experience. I definitely think that organisations like Blueprint for All are championing diverse people in architecture, and helping them to progress has helped the industry a lot.”

Invaluable work experience for Olivia

My first official work experience in the sector was with Historic England, an internship I got through the Building Futures programme with Blueprint for All. I applied via their digital platform. I was hired as a Project Assistant, which eventually lead to my work with Beyond the Box, and then as a co-designer on the Barbican Renewal Project.

Blueprint for All are really championing young people and young voices within the built environment. It’s really important to have a community. It’s important to have a network of people who you can bounce ideas off, but also who you can work with and collaborate with.

Connecting is definitely the advice that I would give to people. And again, through Blueprint for All, there is a network I’m part of. And through them I’ve been able to meet people who are like-minded and who want to work in the industry. Being able to go to these events has been invaluable.

Olivia, Alum and Co-designer at Build the Way.

From participant… to delivering the programme

My journey from participant to programme coordinator delivering the programme has been equally rewarding and humbling. Having experienced firsthand the impact that Building Futures can have, I am deeply committed to ensuring that others receive the same level of support and encouragement that I did. Working now as part of the delivery team, I draw on my own experiences to create programming that is empathetic, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our young people. I’m particularly proud of how we’ve expanded our reach, offering more accessible resources and opportunities, and I’m motivated every day by the incredible talent and resilience of our participants. This full-circle moment—from being mentored to now supporting participants to be mentored —has not only shaped my career but has also strengthened my belief in the power of community and opportunity.

 

Being a participant in the programme was transformative. The workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities provided me with invaluable skills and a sense of belonging. I remember feeling very seen and supported in a way that encouraged me to dream bigger and pursue paths I might have thought were unattainable before. The mentorship I received not only helped me develop professionally but also inspired me personally to give back.

Selam Mengistu, Alum and Programme Coordinator for Blueprint for All.

Written by
Claire Wolstencroft

Claire Wolstencroft

Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
Brought to to you by

Specialist Recruitment for
Architecture & Interior Design

At Rhythm Careers, we bring energy, flow, and real momentum to recruitment in architecture and interior design. Since 2023, we’ve matched talent and studios with the same precision, harmony, and creativity that shape great design.

Related posts