Populous Partners With Blueprint for All — UK-Based Charity Providing Support for Young Aspiring Architects

The partnership is part of Blueprint for All’s ‘Building Futures: Built Environment’ programme, aiming to foster a more inclusive architecture industry and provide opportunities for groups that are currently underrepresented.

“Starting an architecture course can be financially challenging for many,” says Hermione Penny, Senior Programmes Partnership Manager at Blueprint for All. “The high cost can deter young people, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, resulting in disproportionately high dropout rates. The bursaries offered through this partnership with Populous can cover essential expenses such as travel, equipment, software, laptops, printing, accommodation and general living costs to aid young people on their journey to a fulfilling and successful career in architecture.”

In addition to contributing to bursaries, Populous will offer 1:1 mentoring to students by its senior staff, providing guidance and support throughout their educational journey to enhance their job prospects. Additionally, focused workshops will be provided to help students improve their skills in using key industry software, as well as in CV and portfolio building, interview techniques and presentation practice.

Heather Storry, Head of People at Populous EMEA, said: ” Blueprint for All are helping build a more inclusive industry where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive. When the opportunity arose for Populous to partner with the team on their Building Futures programme, enabling young people of diverse ethnic heritage to pursue a career in architecture, we knew immediately that we wanted to be part of it. We recognise the value of the opportunities the programme will provide through activity such as bursary contributions, site tours at Populous venues and focused workshops with our staff, and we are proud to partner with them to help drive their work forward and create new opportunities in architecture.”