Built to Last Professional Development Mentorship Program
February - June 2026
We’re thrilled to invite you to apply for Built to Last, our dynamic mentorship program designed to support and accelerate your journey into the built environment industry.
Built to Last offers 10 Sydney Opera House (SOH) BUILD alumni the chance to be mentored by a diverse group of young professionals, including MADE alumni and industry leaders. This hands-on, immersive program is designed to fast-track professional growth while building lasting industry connections.
We look forward to supporting your journey and helping you make meaningful connections in the industry.
To find out more about participating in Sydney Opera House Built to Last, please contact Alana Ambados, Creative Learning Manager.
Program details
The application process will be open from 13 October – 8 December 2025, with participants notified of selection by 16 December 2025.
We’ll also be hosting a short information session on Monday, 3 November from 5-6pm. This session will introduce the program, give you a chance to ask questions, and learn how Built to Last can benefit your career.
This program has been created to empower you with the guidance, skills, and industry connections needed for a strong start to your career. Through Built to Last, you’ll be paired with an experienced industry mentor and have the chance to gain firsthand insights into the professional world of architecture, engineering, and the built environment. Together, you and your mentor will engage in structured 1:1 sessions, you’ll attend industry days at leading firms, and participate in professional development and networking events — all culminating in a final celebration.
Each mentee will be given $250 towards travel to participate in the program.
The Built to Last program continues the professional and personal development for built environment university students that they commenced through participation in the SOH BUILD program, by creating broader access to the local built environment industry.
The program develops both perspectives and leadership capabilities as students begin their journeys of entering the built environment industry, by learning from industry peers.
Mentees are given a unique opportunity to access the professional built environment industry connections and networks that the Sydney Opera House brings as both a marvel of 20th Century architecture and engineering, and as a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.
Please note: Only Western Sydney University students enrolled in the 2025 Build Tertiary Program are eligible to apply.
Commitment to professional growth
Applicants should demonstrate a clear desire to advance in their chosen field and an ability to benefit from mentorship, showing commitment to their long-term professional development.
Interest in the Built Environment industry
Candidates should express genuine interest in pursuing a career within the built environment, including but not limited to architecture, engineering, or related industries.
Contribution to inclusivity and diversity
Applicants should have a personal and professional commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within their field.
Capacity to participate in all program activities
Applicants must commit to participating fully in the program’s structured activities, including:
- 5 one-on-one mentoring sessions.
- Industry day-outs and networking events.
- Social and professional development events.
- Program conclusion and evaluation activities.
- Goal-setting and personal vision.
- Candidates should be able to articulate their career aspirations and show an interest in setting and achieving concrete goals with their mentor’s support.
2025 Mentees and Mentors
Diane Jones (left), Executive Director of PTW Architects.
Sharmin Akter Sumi (right), 3rd year Bachelor of Planning student Western Sydney University (WSU) interested in sustainable and innovative design.
Jacob Ryan Levy (SJB) (left), Graduate of Architecture at SJB.
Ty Olson (right), 3rd Year Architecture student (WSU) and Architect Intern at Nguluway Design Inc.
Joseph Nassim (left), 3rd year Architecture student (WSU) interested in exploring how building designs adapt to environmental conditions.
Nicholas Bucci (right), Associate at Architecture AND.
Elia Stellios (left), 3rd Year Architecture student (WSU) interested in the psychology behind designed spaces.
Awkar Ruel (right), Architect and Designer at Grimshaw Global.
Nicola Shear (left), Structural Engineer at ARUP.
Iytelis ‘Telly’ Khor (right), 3rd Year Industrial Design student (WSU) curious about the workings of the world.
Rachel Liang (left), Graduate of Architecture
Richard Nguyen (right), 3rd Year Architecture student (WSU) interested in creating residential houses that feel like a dream.
Ben Behnia (left), 4th-year Industrial Design student (WSU) passionate about creating market-ready products.
Billie-Grace Dunk (right), Senior Manager of Design and Delivery.
Andrew Weetman (left), Senior Engineer at ARUP.
Krithik Kavish Nand (right), 3rd Year Engineering student (WSU) interested in structural analysis.
Dr Emrah Baki Ulas (left), Technical Director at Steensen Varming.
Varunkrishna ‘Varun Prem’ Premkumar (right), 3rd year Urban Planning student (WSU) interested in planning for liveable and green cities.
Annabel Koeck (left), Principal at HASSELL.
Balpreet Sunner (right), 3rd Year Town Planning student (WSU) interested in creating safe & connected communities.
Built to Last is a mentorship program delivered by Sydney Opera House Trust with the participation of the following mentors and organisations:
Nicholas Bucci (Architecture AND), Billie-Grace Dunk, HONEYWELL, Diane Jones (PTW), Annabel Koeck ( HASSELL) Rachel Liang, Awkar Ruel (Grimshaw Global), Jacob Levy (SJB), Nicola Shear (ARUP), Emrah Baki Ulas (Steensen Varming), Andrew Weetman (ARUP).