A first-of-its-kind program is offering architecture and design professionals a new way to launch and grow practices with business support that speaks their language.

CO-architecture has announced the launch of The Studio Accelerator, Australia’s first industry-backed accelerator tailored specifically for founders and early-stage practices in architecture and design. 

Powered by a national ecosystem of business and industry professionals from across the built environment, the program offers the expert mentorship, strategic tools and business frameworks needed to build sustainable, resilient studios in today’s fast-changing market.

CO-architecture CEO Kevin Mitchem wants to equip studio founders with the business skills missing from their design education.

Ninety percent of architecture and design studios in Australia are made up of five people or fewer, with many small practices founded on talent and vision, says CO-architecture CEO Kevin Mitchem, one of the program’s founding contributors. However, he has observed that these small studios operate without the business training, systems or support common in other industries.

“Many architects and designers are incredible at their craft,” Mitchem says. “But running a practice today requires much more than great design. It requires strategic clarity, financial literacy, operational systems and the confidence to lead. This program is about equipping founders with what they were never taught, but absolutely need.”

Who is The Studio Accelerator for?

The Studio Accelerator is designed for three core groups.

The first are early-stage founders of practices comprising one to five people, who are transitioning their freelance work or ‘side hustle’ to a sustainable practice.

The second eligible group includes growing practices of six to 15 people. According to CO-architecture, this group seeks to improve operations, sharpen positioning and strengthen leadership.

Finally, future leaders inside larger firms, who are exploring new models or preparing to launch their own venture, can also take part in The Studio Accelerator.

Adapting a new model to A&D

The new program draws inspiration from globally successful startup ecosystems like Y Combinator and AirTree, adapting their high-impact, mentor-led model to the architecture and design profession. 

Over four weeks, participants work through a curriculum covering brand strategy, pricing frameworks, resourcing, project systems, financial planning and visibility – all designed to help studios operate with more clarity, purpose and resilience.

Bijl Architecture director Melonie Bayl-Smith says designers can spend less time on admin when they understand the ‘why’ behind their business.

“When designers understand the ‘why’ behind their business, they spend less time on admin and more time doing the work that really matters,” says program mentor and Bijl Architecture director Melonie Bayl-Smith.

Fellow mentor Toby Ewert, former co-founder of design and architecture firm Ewert Leaf, adds that programs like The Studio Accelerator give early-stage studios the guidance needed to build something resilient.

“There’s so much value in learning from those who’ve done it before – especially the mistakes,” he says.

One of the program’s mentors, Toby Ewert, says there’s value in learning from experienced leaders.

A community of industry experts

Participants are supported by a network of more than 30 world-class mentors, including studio founders, strategic advisors and experts across law, branding, HR, finance and marketing.

Alongside CO-architecture, Ewert Leaf and Bijl Architecture, other confirmed contributors include leaders from organisations such as Hassell, Buchan, AB Consulting, The Advisory Studio, Jackson McDonald, Strategy Bugs, Build Px and more.

This ecosystem has been curated to offer holistic insights and experiences, fostering a supportive environment where founders can access real-time advice and immediately applicable tools for their businesses.

“Starting a studio can feel like hiking up a mountain,” says Build Px founder Seton Walsh-Rose. “The most successful founders have guides who’ve walked the path before. An accelerator like this gives you those guides, along with a community to grow alongside.”

Steve Coster and Kate Frear of The Advisory Studio are set to mentor emerging practice leaders as part of The Studio Accelerator.

Kate Frear and Steve Coster of The Advisory Studio say the new program gives emerging firms the structure, clarity and support needed to grow confidently.

“It’s about building capability and unlocking the full potential of design – not just surviving, but thriving,” Frear and Coster say.

Expressions of interest now open

CO-architecture is now accepting expressions of interest from early-stage studio founders seeking to join the first cohort, experienced professionals interested in mentoring, and industry partners and service providers who want to connect with practices.

This network of mutual support stands to prop up the entire industry, according to Hassell principal and mentor Peter Lee OAM.

“When we help each other, we strengthen the entire profession,” he says. “Supporting young designers to realise their potential isn’t just fulfilling, it’s essential to creating lasting impact and value.”

To learn more or register your interest, visit the CO-architecture website here.

Photography supplied.