// AIA California, Working for You
To remain relevant, resilient, and responsive to a rapidly changing world, the architectural profession must invest in the future. As societal needs evolve—around climate action, housing affordability, equity, technology, and public health—architects must be prepared with the skills, values, and perspective to lead that change. And where should students look for this experience? Within the firms (of all sizes) that design and deliver the built environment.
Many lament that nearly 50% of architecture students don’t stay in the profession, but one of the most often cited reasons is a lack of connection to practice.
You can help change this. Taking on interns, job shadowing or meeting online to virtually mentor is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future, giving emerging practitioners experiences that can’t be learned in the classroom: exposure to practice, collaboration, problem-solving, and the realities of professional responsibility to name a few. By mentoring interns and supporting their growth, you can help ensure a strong, diverse, and well-prepared next generation of architects who will carry the profession forward and continue its impact on communities and the built environment.
To make this a reality, the California Architectural Foundation’s capX (California Architectural Practice Experience) program creates access to firms for these vital experiences within architectural practice.
Student interest and enrollment in capX continues to grow. The success of this program, however, depends entirely on your participation. Whether you own a firm, lead a firm, or work in a firm (and can be an advocate for interns) without a culture that’s willing to open doors, we cannot deliver the meaningful experiences the next generation needs to succeed.
Learn more about capX.
Firm enrollment for 2026 is now open. To enroll, click here.
Make the commitment to take on an intern, host a job shadow or mentor virtually – we have tools to help.
Across the AIA, many members cite the reason for joining is connecting to the professional network. Sharing this network and creating opportunities for the next generation ensures you will have a network to count on in the future. Creating ways to help members invest in the future of this profession is just one more way AIA California (through our Foundation) is Working for You.
Nicki
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Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA, LEED Green Assoc.
Executive Vice President
The American Institute of Architects California
1931 H Street Sacramento, CA 95811
phone: (916) 642-1707 | web: http://www.aiacalifornia.org
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