California Architectural Practice Experience

About capX

capX bridges the gap between aspiring architects and California's leading firms, creating real on-ramps into the profession through paid internships, job shadowing, and virtual mentorship.

The path into architecture is rarely straightforward. California Architectural Foundation and AIA California created capX to connect education and professional practice, so every aspiring architect has a way in.

Whether you're a high school or community college student exploring architecture, a graduate seeking your first job, or a firm that believes in mentorship, capX is built for you. Educators guiding students toward the profession and AIA California Chapters supporting members will also find capX a valuable resource.

Join anytime, from anywhere in California, and update your profile as your goals evolve. The platform matches emerging professionals with participating firms for experiences ranging from a single day of job shadowing to virtual mentoring and paid internships.

Mentors and mentees shape the experience together, while capX provides the platform, resources, and support to help connections succeed. Beyond matching, capX offers a growing resource library and annual virtual meetups where the community can share insights, build relationships, and learn from one another. We also advocate on participants' behalf, reaching out to firms and industry leaders across California to expand opportunities and broaden engagement.

capX is sustained by its community. We suggest an annual donation of $25 for enrolled students and emerging professionals, and $125 for architects and firms. The platform continues to evolve based on feedback from the community it serves.

Built on three core commitments.

01

Access for everyone

capX opens doors regardless of school, background, or pathway to licensure, with particular attention to supporting community college students.

02

Real workforce readiness

Every capX experience builds skills that classrooms can't fully teach: professional communication, firm culture, project workflow, and career direction.

03

Community over competition

capX is a statewide network of architects, students, and advocates who share resources, insights, and a genuine commitment to the profession's future.

Two communities.
One mission.

Emerging Professionals & Students

Your first step into the profession starts here.

Whether you're in high school, community college, university, or on an experience-only path to licensure, capX connects you with firms and mentors who want to invest in your future.

  • → Paid internships at or above CA minimum wage
  • → Job shadowing and virtual mentoring
  • → A growing community resource library
  • → Annual statewide virtual meetup

Architecture Firms

Mentor the next generation. Shape the profession.

capX makes it easy to host emerging talent, on your terms, at your pace, whether you have an existing internship program or are just starting out.

  • → Access to emerging talent statewide
  • → Flexible hosting: paid internship, job shadow, virtual mentoring
  • → Support from CAF and AIA California chapter partners
  • → Help build a more diverse and inclusive pipeline

capX is powered by the
California Architectural Foundation

CAF is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of AIA California, dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture through scholarships, grants, and educational programs.

Learn About CAF

Questions about capX?

We’d love to hear from you:
caf@aiacalifornia.org or call (916) 642-1730.