BFA MENTORING PROGRAMME
in 2023 BFA STarted a mentoring programme welcoming over 15 Mentors From within our own network and wider industry to support a mentee on their current professional journeys.
London School of Architecture, 2024
LSA Partnership
We are now re-launching our mentorship programme in partnership with the London School of Architecture, LSA.
The Partnership
Black Females in Architecture (BFA) and The London School of Architecture (LSA) have formed a partnership to support Black women and non-binary individuals in architectural education and professional development. The LSA’s commitment to increasing access for underrepresented groups aligns with BFA’s mission to connect and uplift Black women in architecture, design, and construction.
This partnership will focus on networking, advocacy, and collaborative projects, engaging both the built environment industry and society. A key goal is to introduce more diverse individuals to architecture.
Additionally, the partnership will provide support to Black women and non-binary individuals pursuing Part 2 education, enhancing their presence in both academia and the industry.
The collaboration also seeks to challenge traditional Western approaches to city-making, advocating for more equitable design perspectives. As part of this, BFA members will have opportunities to engage with LSA students and faculty in various capacities.
The Mentorship Programme
BFA is also celebrating the success of its first Mentorship Programme, led by Alice Farmer and Stephanie Adebayo, and the opening of applications for the next cohort.
A little bit about the two incredible BFA Member’s who came up with the idea and are leading on it:
Alice Farmer
Alice is a registered architect currently working at dMFK Architects in London. She is a graduate from Newcastle University, Central Saint Martins and Westminster University.
At dMFK she has contributed to projects varying in both scale and scope, including the restoration and upgrade of two Grade II listed buildings on Piccadilly. Alongside her project work she is also Social Values Champion. She was shortlisted in the AJ100 Mentor of the Year Award for her work encouraging young people to pursue a career in the built environment.
Stephanie Adebayo
Stephanie is a Senior Development Manager who began her career at Foster and Partners after studying Interior Design Environment Architecture at Ravensbourne. She earned her Master’s in Architecture at Greenwich and gained experience in retail and residential architecture before joining a design-led residential developer.
Starting as a Design Coordinator, she advanced to Development Manager. She later completed her RIBA Part 3 at The Bartlett. Her diverse background in gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to lead design teams with both creative vision and technical expertise.
We are collating expression of interest for mentors and mentees ahead of the launch of the new cohort in 2025. If you think you’d like to take part in next year’s mentoring programme, please fill out either form via the links below. The deadline for applications is 31st December 2024. More information on the next steps will be sent out in January.
The Event
This event marks the celebration of the BFA and LSA partnership, inviting members of both communities, supporters, and the wider architectural network to learn more about this exciting collaboration.
Attendees will also hear about our BFA Mentorship Programme where mentors, mentees, and the programme leads on its impact, successes, and challenges.
We welcome BFA members, those interested in the LSA, and supporters of the broader mission to attend. There will be opportunities for networking and discussions with diverse professionals in the field.
We look forward to welcoming you on Thursday 17 October 2024 at 6.30pm at the LSA.
Drinks and light snacks will be provided.