…University outreach program recognized for providing free architectural education and mentorship to aspiring architects.

The Building Practice has been named the winner of the prestigious Not-for-Profit of the Year award at The SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards 2025. The award celebrates the firm’s commitment to empowering the next generation of architects through its nationwide university outreach program.

The initiative bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world practice by offering free lectures, seminars, and one-on-one mentorship to architecture students across Nigeria. The firm says the award reaffirms its belief that investing in emerging talent is essential to shaping the future of the architectural profession.

Why the Program Was Created

The outreach program grew out of a clear observation: many architecture students graduate without a firm understanding of professional practice. Lacking industry exposure, networks, and practical insights, many struggle at the start of their careers. The Building Practice set out to change that.

“Every architect in our firm remembers what it was like to be a student — the uncertainty, the questions, the hunger for real-world knowledge,” said Michael Alley, Principal Architect. “We created this program because we wished someone had done the same for us. This SERAS award belongs to every student we’ve worked with and every team member who has shared their time and expertise.”

What the Program Offers

The university outreach initiative equips students with knowledge and skills beyond the traditional curriculum:

Guest Lectures and Presentations:

Insights drawn from the firm’s ongoing projects, covering sustainable design, client relations, building technology, and the business of architecture.

Hands-On Seminars:

Workshops on portfolio development, licensure pathways, construction documentation, building codes, and the transition from school to professional practice.

One-on-One Mentorship:

Personalized guidance, project critiques, and career support provided by architects across the firm.

Studio Critique Sessions:

Professional feedback on student work that considers aesthetics, constructability, budget, client needs, and regulations.

Impact and Feedback

Since the program’s inception, the firm has observed significant growth in participating students. Many emerge with stronger portfolios, clearer career direction, and increased confidence about entering the professional space.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students emphasizing how the program filled gaps left by classroom training and provided mentorship that was otherwise difficult to access.

Looking Ahead

Winning the SERAS Not-for-Profit of the Year Award strengthens The Building Practice’s resolve to expand the initiative. The firm plans to partner with more universities, reaching even more architecture students nationwide.

“Our work is about more than buildings,” the firm said. “It’s about people, communities, and the legacy we leave behind. By supporting emerging architects today, we help shape the built environment of tomorrow.”

Universities and architecture departments interested in collaborating are encouraged to reach out.

The Building Practice Ltd delivers architectural solutions grounded in creativity and responsibility. Led by Principal Architect Michael Alley, the firm is committed to excellence in design and execution. Beyond client projects, The Building Practice prioritizes mentorship and education as fundamental pillars of its identity.