At Archangel Architects, we believe that great architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. That’s why we’re committed to mentoring future architects and helping them gain real-world experience as they step into the profession. Through our ongoing involvement in the RIBA mentoring scheme, our qualified architects, Jack and Apos, have been guiding students for several years, providing them with insights into the realities of architectural practice.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Cambridge Architects
The transition from studying architecture to working in the industry can be daunting. RIBA’s mentoring programme bridges that gap by connecting students with experienced professionals who can offer guidance, practical knowledge, and inspiration. As Cambridge architects with a passion for thoughtful design, we see mentoring as an opportunity to shape the future of our profession while giving back to the community.
Over the years, Jack and Apos have helped students understand what it means to work on real projects—from design concepts to site coordination, sustainable strategies, and client engagement. This year’s mentoring journey included site visits to two of our recent projects, offering students a first-hand look at how architecture comes to life.
From Concept to Completion: Learning on Site
Nothing beats the experience of seeing a project in person. As part of the mentoring programme, students joined us for two site visits:
1. Duck End Barns – A New Build Passive House in Rural Cambridgeshire
The first visit took students to Duck End Barns, a new-build Passivhaus home nearing completion. Here, we discussed the principles of ultra-low energy design, the challenges of delivering sustainable homes, and the careful detailing required to meet Passivhaus standards. For students, this was a valuable opportunity to see how technical considerations—such as airtightness, insulation, and thermal bridging—translate from drawings to reality.
2. Downing Place URC – The Transformation of a Cambridge Church
The final visit took place at Downing Place URC, a significant project in the heart of Cambridge that we completed a few years ago. This reordering and transformation of a historic town-centre church showcased how contemporary interventions can breathe new life into existing buildings. Here, students saw the complexities of working within historic fabric, balancing modern functionality with heritage conservation, and meeting the needs of a diverse community.
Why Mentoring Matters
Mentorship isn’t just about passing on knowledge—it’s about inspiring the next generation to think critically, solve problems creatively, and push boundaries in their designs. As Cambridge-based residential architects, we’re particularly keen to support students in understanding the nuances of housing design, sustainable building methods, and client-led architecture. Through these experiences, we hope to give them a strong foundation as they embark on their careers.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud to be part of the RIBA mentoring programme and will continue to support emerging architects as they navigate their way into the profession. If you’re a student interested in gaining insight into architectural practice—or a client looking for an experienced, community-minded team of Cambridge architects to bring your project to life—get in touch with us.
Architecture is about designing for the future, and that starts with mentoring the architects who will shape it.
