Practice News
Nurturing the future generation: The experiences of our RIBA AHR Scholarship mentors
by AHR
We believe in a fair and inclusive right to education. Central to this is providing young people with the mentorship, support and guidance they need to succeed.
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Nuala, our 2023 recipient, as she reached the end of her work placement. For her mentors Gary Overton and Hira Teirney, the experience has been an enriching one, not only in fostering the development of Nuala, but also in broadening their own perspectives and enhancing their professional growth.
Offering a package of financial support, as well as mentoring, a paid work placement and friendship, the aim of the scholarship is to address a lack of inclusivity at Part 2 stage of the professional qualification in architecture by supporting talented students who might struggle to cover the costs associated with their course.
At AHR, we believe that mentoring is a reciprocal process. Mentors gain as much from the experience as their mentees. Gary and Hira were able to reflect on their own approaches to design and problem-solving, inspired by Nuala’s curiosity and fresh ideas.
Listen below as they reflect on the experience.
Being a mentor to Nuala and supporting her throughout her scholarship has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
Seeing her progress has broadened my understanding of the challenges students face today and really shows the importance of advocating for inclusivity in architecture.”
Hira Teirney
Associate Director
Supporting Nuala through guidance and mentorship
Since the placement, Nuala’s industry knowledge, skills and confidence have grown exponentially having gained an insight into the workings of an architectural practice.
She kindly sat down with us to tell us how the work placement was going, revealing what she’s been enjoying the most so far, the types of projects she’s supporting the team with as well as advice for anyone thinking of applying for the scholarship.
We are proud to champion a fair right to education for all. Discover how we do this here.
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