WIA Mentoring Programme2026 Launch Event

Join us in Glasgow for the launch of the 2026 WIA Mentoring Programme. The official launch event will be hosted by Collective Architecture in Glasgow, Scotland, setting the stage for a unique and focused year.

The Launch Event’s theme, Hands That Hold the Ladder, evokes an image of support, practical, steady, and intentional. In an industry where many women face barriers to progression, recognition and belonging, mentorship becomes a way to hold the ladder steady for one another: offering clarity, courage, and opportunity. This theme acknowledges both the emotional and structural labour involved in making space for others, transforming the profession not through isolated excellence but through collective action.

We look forward to celebrating the inspiring mentors and mentees participating in this year’s programme, honouring their commitment to personal growth and supporting others. Both the WIA Mentoring Programme and this launch event are dedicated to inclusivity, fostering fresh dialogue and driving positive action—we warmly welcome and embrace all genders and perspectives.

For those unable to join us in person, the launch event will be recorded, ensuring that the insights and celebrations are accessible to our entire community.

Keynote speakers

Christina Gaiger - Associate Director at Architype

Christina Gaiger is an architect specialising in existing buildings, conservation and retrofit, championing creative re-use as the most powerful route to a sustainable built environment. She made history as the youngest-ever President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and only the second woman to hold the role, redefining leadership in the profession.

Christina’s experience is grounded in hands-on conservation practice, from sensitive reuse projects at Helen Lucas Architects to the adaptive reuse of a 17th-century fort into a university campus at Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Paris. Christina brings international experience from New York, Paris and the UK, and currently practises at Architype, known for exemplary sustainable design. A passionate advocate for VAT parity, Christina champions systemic change to unlock retrofit and create a sustainable environment.

Paul Rodgers – Senior Design Principal at 10Design

Paul Rodgers, Senior Design Principal at 10 Design, brings over 30 years of international experience, having led and contributed to projects throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Working across commercial, residential, education, master planning, and infrastructure sectors, his expertise lies in shaping strong design concepts and guiding them through successful delivery. Paul champions a collaborative design approach, built on open creative dialogue with colleagues and clients alike.

Panel in addition to the above

Sophie McCarthy – Design Director at Atomik Architecture

Sophie is Design Director at Atomik Architecture, with over 20 years’ experience across residential, workplace, and hospitality projects. A graduate of the Mackintosh School of Architecture, she has worked with SuHuHa, Aedas and Woods Bagot and co-founded the award-winning practice Kirkwood McCarthy. Sophie brings thoughtful design leadership across all stages of project delivery, with a strong focus on quality and detail. She has been a mentor with Women in Architecture (WIA) for the past four years and is passionate about sharing perspectives on the vital contribution women architects make within a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Hannah Dalton - Project Architect at HES | Heritage, Retrofit and Reuse

Following early career experience honing her craft with an architectural model maker and practising in Berlin, Hannah joined Architype in 2020. Projects have included an innovative net zero carbon research centre, the retrofit of the Grade II listed Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, alongside the design and delivery of the bio-based retrofit for Liberton Nursery in Edinburgh. In 2025, Hannah joined Historic Environment Scotland within the National Major Investments team, where she leads the delivery of the Retrofit Lab project, continuing to further her interest in the intersection of circular design and heritage conservation. She has also been a guest critic at the Bauhaus, Dessau, the University of Westminster, and the University of Dundee, reflecting her ongoing commitment to architectural education.

Mairi Laverty - Director | Architect at Collective Architecture

Mairi Laverty is a Director and Architect at Collective Architecture. Mairi joined Collective Architecture in 2010 after completing her Masters in Advanced Architectural Design at Strathclyde University. During her studies she spent 4 months studying at the ETH in Zurich.

Since qualifying as an architect in 2012, Mairi has continued to combine high aspiration and professionalism. She has worked on a variety of projects ranging from sustainable masterplans, public buildings, large scale housing, civic buildings and special care. Mairi has applied her skills towards complex, socially inclusive buildings and places across Scotland, including the Larick Centre, Tayport; the Water Row Development in Govan, Glasgow; Bilbohall Masterplan in Elgin; Sighthill Housing, Glasgow and plans for the Camphill Community/Estates, Aberdeen. Mairi’s ability to balance exceptional design with the skills required to bring clients, communities, consultants and contractors on the journey to delivering high quality projects saw her win the Scottish Design Awards ‘Young Architect of the Year Award’ in 2021.

Mairi has contributed to the development of future generations of architects through teaching, guest lectures, and participation in student design reviews. She has taught part time at Strathclyde University and acted as a guest critic at the Mackintosh School of Architecture and the University of Sheffield. In addition to teaching, Mairi has been a judge for the Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Awards and has presented as a keynote speaker at the Aberdeen Society of Architects Annual Dinner and Design Awards.

Facilitated by

Eleni Stathi - WIA Mentoring Lead and Associate Partner at HTA Design

Date: Thursday, 29 January, 6:00–9:00 pm.

Where: Collective Architecture, 4th Floor, Albert Chambers, 13 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HY, United Kingdom

Venue Sponsor: Collective Architecture, Glasgow

Tickets:

• Student £5
• Professionals £10
• Recording only £5

Online event access and photography

• This event will be recorded (not live-streamed). Photos and video will be taken at this event.

Accessibility & Event Access

Women in Architecture UK strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, for our members and guests.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs, require any adjustments or have any questions at hello@wia-uk.org. We will do our best to work with the venue to put effective adjustments in place.

WIA UK is a not-for-profit organisation, all proceeds are dedicated to supporting the activities and events of WIA UK.