Key to Architecture, our programme for young people turns 1

It’s the end of the first year of our Key to Architecture Programme, a comprehensive initiative that unifies the wide-ranging support we’ve provided to young people for over a decade. This program is a testimony to our commitment to fostering diversity in architecture and design by supporting young people from across London who are looking for ways to begin or advance their careers in the built environment.

This programme offers a rich selection of resources to school pupils, university students, and graduates interested in architecture and related built environment fields. Through extensive work experience placements, employment guidance, mentoring, studio and site visits, and free workshops, we aim to bridge the gap between aspirations and career achievements, particularly for those within the communities we work in. Our vision when launching Key to Architecture was not only to provide access but also to empower these young people with the tools and experiences that will help them to thrive in their future careers.  

Reflecting on the first year of Key to Architecture, we’re proud of the partnerships we’ve forged and the positive impact we’ve already begun to see. From introductory studio visits for Year 10 students to structured work placements and ongoing mentoring for recent graduates, our goal has been to make meaningful contributions at every stage of early career development. These experiences give young people a practical view of architecture while helping them cultivate essential skills that can aid them in the highly competitive London job market.

This year’s achievements exemplify our mission and the powerful results of collective support:

• A CV and portfolio workshop series to help participants present their skills and achievements professionally.
• Mock interview sessions, offering realistic practise to boost interview confidence.
• Partnerships with Education Business Partners (EBPs) and charities that enable us to widen our reach and provide even more resources to young people.
• 5 student group studio visits that gave young people a firsthand look into the workspaces and creative processes of professional architects.
• 19 work experience and internship placements from Year 10 students all the way through to post undergraduates, totalling 23 weeks of immersive studio and professional experience.

Looking forward and building a network

A key milestone of this year has been establishing a comprehensive network for all the young people, graduates, and educators that we have met. This network allows us to share the latest programme updates and opportunities, guiding individuals at every step of their journey. Regular newsletters also help participants stay connected to the broader industry, with curated resources to support their personal and professional growth.

If you’re interested in joining our expanding network, receiving updates, or learning more about Key to Architecture’s upcoming programs, we invite you to sign up to our mailing list via the link below. We look forward to connecting with even more young people, educators, and industry partners as we continue our mission of fostering diversity, creativity, and excellence in the built environment even more in 2025.

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