// AIA California, Working for You
Hello.
Do you remember the person who opened a door for you into this profession?
Whether it was during an internship, a mentor who shared their time and expertise, or when you had your first opportunity to contribute to a real project, those early experiences shape careers and strengthen the profession. Yet today, many aspiring architects struggle to find meaningful opportunities to gain practical experience, while firms across California continue searching for emerging talent.
That’s where AIA California is working for you. Through our Foundation, we are expanding mentorship and internship opportunities across the state through our newly refreshed 2.0 version of the California Architectural Practice Experience (CapX) program, a digital interface which makes it easy for firms to connect with emerging professionals and architecture students.
If your firm has considered stepping up to mentor, there’s never been a better time. While you may think you’re too busy or aren’t sure you have resources to help an intern – there are many ways to provide this experience including job shadowing or virtual mentoring. Choose the path and experience that best fits your situation.
The California Architectural Foundation is curating resources from firms across the state to make the experience easy for you. Whether you’re a sole practitioner, a small firm, or a large practice, mentoring is an opportunity to share your expertise, bring fresh perspectives into your office, and help build the profession’s future.
The need has never been greater.
As you know, working in this profession you are tackling some of the most complex challenges of our time—from housing affordability and resilient communities to climate action and aging infrastructure. Meeting those challenges requires a strong, diverse pipeline of future professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.
Mentoring is where that journey begins.
- For emerging professionals and students, internships bridge the gap between education and practice, providing hands-on experience that builds confidence, develops technical skills, and introduces them to the realities of professional practice.
- For firms, internships create meaningful recruitment opportunities while helping cultivate the next generation of employees and future leaders.
That’s why AIA California is committed to making those connections happen.
If you’re reading this and saying “I don’t lead this firm – I can’t make this decision”; individually you can become an advocate within your office for the next generation and take someone under your wing.
Click here to register you or your firm.
Investing in future architects is really an investment in the future of architecture itself – creating this opportunity to connect the profession with its future is just one more example of how AIA California 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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