Shaping Careers with Chow:Hill’s Mentoring Programme

We’ve taken the same approach to the ongoing development of our company mentoring programme.

Personal and professional growth is never one dimensional, so our programme reflects that.

From offering guidance and support in unfamiliar situations to building confidence and encouraging a culture of communication and innovation, our staff mentoring programme aims to assist our team in achieving the variety of goals they each have.

Sam Thomas, Principal and Registered Architect at Chow:Hill says the company’s coaching and mentoring programme has been designed to respond to the changing needs, skills, and goals our team has.

“It’s a very agile programme,” explains Sam. “The framework we have established enables us to be flexible in the support and guidance mentors offer mentees. It’s a formal arrangement, but one that caters to the individual growth of each team member,” he says.

With monthly catch ups and 30, 60, and 90 day goals, Chow:Hill’s mentoring programme also provides team members with the tools, time, and resources required to enable them to shape their career in the design industry.  

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“The framework we have established enables us to be flexible in the support and guidance mentors offer mentee. ~ Sam Thomas, Principal

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Doug Robinson, a Senior Architectural Technician in Chow:Hill’s Kirikiriroa studio is one of the programme’s mentors. “Mentoring is more than teaching, it’s about connection, supporting and inspiring your colleagues,” says Doug. “Mentoring has helped me connect with my colleagues with more self-awareness, resulting in us all growing together.”

Junior Architectural Technician, Matthew Burroughs is working towards an intermediate role and says he has plenty to take in. The mentoring programme enables him to feel he’s actively progressing in his career and learning while participating.

“Hearing from people that are at the stage I aim to be one day is one of the most beneficial aspects of Chow:Hill’s mentoring programme,” says Matthew. “Learning what works for them and how I can apply it to advance my career is really valuable.”

Doug believes the success of the programme is the flexible nature of the mentoring he is able to provide. “The mentees I’ve had the privilege of supporting each have different goals and skills they want to work on. I’m able to offer them guidance that relates directly to what it is they want to achieve. That makes the experience all the more rewarding.”