AIA Grand Rapids is excited to launch THRIVE, a new mentorship program designed for professionals navigating the advancement stage of their architectural careers. This initiative directly addresses the identified need for increased support and mentorship opportunities among early to mid-career practitioners, as identified by our chapter during our Strategic Planning process completed in 2023. The program seeks to provide guidance to practitioners with 8-15 years of experience, empowering them to assess their career paths while maintaining a work-life harmony.
With the launch of this program, our chapter will connect these professionals with seasoned industry experts, fostering expanded networks, strategies for work-life equilibrium, and guidance for career advancement. This initiative aims to span the gap between experience and ambition, cultivating an environment conducive to plentiful opportunities and professional development.
Participants will embark on an 8-month journey encompassing a personalized curriculum, one-on-one pairings, and thoughtfully curated events. This structure is intended to assist mentees in evaluating their career trajectories and setting fulfilling goals while managing the demands of their professional and personal lives. This program’s launch signifies AIA Grand Rapids commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our architectural community, while providing tailored support and guidance to propel careers forward.
Ideal Applicant
The THRIVE Mentorship Program is tailored to support professionals with 8-15 years of experience. In its pilot year, the program will engage 24 professionals, 12 mentors and 12 mentees. Our commitment to continuous growth and community building, extends beyond formal programming and this inaugural year. We hope THRIVE provides an avenue for empowering ‘graduates’ of the program to expand their connections and network.
Applications are due by 11:00 PM EST on Friday February 23rd, 2024.
2024 Schedule
Friday, February 23, 2024: THRIVE Application Deadline
April 2024: Kick-Off Event + Pairing Announcements at Fishbeck
September 2024: Mentor-Mentee Roundtable Discussions at Progressive AE
November 2024: Closing Reception at Mathison | Mathison Architecture
Meet the Thrive Mentorship Team
Program Co-Directors:
Anne Doornbos, AIA
Vice President, President Elect, AIA Grand Rapids
Anne is an architect with TowerPinkster. She is dedicated to education & public service through many avenues: design of civic and K-12 school facilities, M.Arch scholarship advisor, and non-profit leadership. She holds a B.S. degree in architecture from Ball State University and is a pioneering member of Kendall College of Art & Design’s first graduating cohort of their Master of Architecture program. Her work, alongside many others, laid the foundation for the program’s accreditation and impact in the design community of West Michigan.
Sarah Carter, Associate AIA
Chapter Director, AIA Grand Rapids
Sarah is an architectural designer based in Grand Rapids. Her professional experience is centered around the creation of inclusive and engaging cultural spaces, ranging in scale from interior installations to multi-institutional campuses. Driven by a passion for community building, Sarah actively seeks opportunities to uplift those around her and currently serves at AIA Grand Rapids Member Services Director. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Architecture from Lehigh University.
Program Advisors:
Tom Mathison, FAIA
Tom is a co-founding principal of MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS, bringing more than 20 years of mentorship expertise to the team. Notable contributions include the founding of the Michigan Mentorship Program in 2002, which he grew into today’s AIA Michigan’s Mentoring Network.
Tod Stevens, FAIA
Tod is the current President of AIA Grand Rapids chapter. He was elevated as an AIA Fellow in 2022 for his exceptional design work focused on education architecture. He is an award-winning designer, researcher, practice leader, and educator. He works collaboratively with clients and team members to create inspirational environments that positively impact learning for students of today, and tomorrow.
Peer Program Support
Bridge Mentorship Program, AIA Chicago
We draw not only inspiration but guidance from AIA Chicago’s Bridge Mentorship Program. Bridge has successfully connected seasoned AIA Fellows with emerging professionals for 14 years. Current Co-Directors have committed to providing support and guidance as we establish our initiative.
Rebecca Brouk, AIA
Co-Director, BRIDGE Mentorship Program
Rachel Killion, AIA
Co-Director, BRIDGE Mentorship Program
Jessie LaFree, AIA
Co-Director, BRIDGE Mentorship Program
Carl Sergio, AIA
Co-Director, BRIDGE Mentorship Program