Empowering Women in Architecture: Reflections from Our Mentorship Program

We’ve just reached six months in our first mentorship program in our Hong Kong studio, so we asked some of our mentees to share some of their thoughts. Their collective experience and feedback reaffirm the importance of visibility of success and mentorship, especially for women in architecture.

Yiwen Zhou, Architectural Designer
“While navigating leadership pathways can be daunting, learning from mentors who have successfully overcome barriers has equipped me with actionable strategies to advance my career, and advocate for inclusivity. Collaborating with women from various backgrounds has exposed me to fresh perspectives, and the shared sense of solidarity — hearing peers’ experiences not only gave me confidence but also inspired me to advocate for myself and pursue new opportunities boldly. It requires collective effort to reshape the culture of an industry.”

Fei Hong, Associate
“The program creates a safe space within the office, where I can openly discuss challenges and concerns, with my female peers and without fear of judgment. We get to build stronger connections, support one another, and foster mutual encouragement. The most profound influence comes from the role models around us. Our mentors showed incredible generosity in sharing their experiences, insights, and resources, offering both guidance and emotional support. They encouraged and inspired us to maintain confidence and strive for growth.”

Haochun Zeng, Architectural Designer
“One of the key takeaways I’ve learned is that imperfection is acceptable. Sometimes, progress simply begins with taking the first step.”

Vivien Ng, Architectural Assistant
“As a new joiner and recent graduate, the program immediately connected me to the company and its culture. It’s helping me build a clearer vision for my career paths, learning from the experience of my colleagues. One of my goals when we started was to start preparing for my Part 3 licence, and this program has given me the confidence and motivation to take my first baby step toward achieving that goal.”