If you’ve ever felt the uncertainty of not knowing how to price your work, wrestled with unpredictable cash flow, or found yourself drowning in admin rather than immersed in design, we get it! Many of us have faced the same reality: high client expectations, tight budgets, and the pressure to “scale” without the systems, tools, or support to do it confidently.
Over the past year, we’ve spoken with hundreds of practices across the country, from solo studios to small, close-knit teams, and the stories are strikingly similar. Talented professionals working in isolation, undervaluing their time, and learning everything on the fly. It’s exhausting, and it doesn’t have to be this way.
That’s where The Accelerator comes in. We’ve built this program and hub to be more than just training, it’s a community. Mentor and founder-led, practical, and designed for all stages of business. It’s not just about building a practice from the ground up, it's about building with clarity, strategy, and the kind of shared wisdom you usually only get from years of trial and error.
With a strong network of industry advisors, we’re bringing together people who believe in design excellence and business sustainability. Whether you’re looking to refine your processes, find better-fit clients, or simply have a trusted group to lean on, The Accelerator is here to make sure you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Because the truth is, most architects and interior Designers in Australia are in small to medium practices, and while we may be working independently, we don’t have to work in isolation. Together, we can build practices that not only create beautiful spaces, but also thrive for the long term.
More clarity. Better clients. Stronger business
A Program & Hub Tailored to the Realities of Design Practice
Rather than focusing on business theory or growth at all costs, the Accelerator is grounded in the real-world conditions of small-scale architectural and interior design practice.
Delivered entirely online, the program includes CPD live sessions each week (The sessions will be recorded and made available for playback.), with content developed and delivered by a network of over 30+ experienced mentors and advisors.
Participants also receive access to a suite of tools and templates, as well as CO-architecture memberships that provide direct access to a client base, with over $100 million worth of projects posted to date.
Confirmed mentors include directors and leaders from practices such as Hassell, Bijl Architecture, Bates Smart, Buchan, Cox, and Ewart Leaf.
Along with strategic advisors in law, finance, brand, and operations. The Advisory Studio, Strategy Bugs, Build PX, AB Consulting, Cavfield, Third Principle Co., Ludlow Street, Jackson McDonald, BizCover, Australian Tenders, Design Culture Consulting and many more.
“There’s so much value in learning from those who’ve done it before especially the mistakes,” says Toby Ewert - Co-founder of Ewert Leaf. “Programs like this give early-stage studios the guidance and peer support needed to build something resilient, with clarity and confidence.”
Senton Walsh-Rose from Build Px adds: “Starting a studio can feel like hiking up a mountain 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.”
More clarity. Better clients. Stronger business
Who it’s Designed For
The Accelerator & Hub is open to a broad group of practitioners, including:
- Emerging architects and interior designers ready to move beyond side projects into running a structured, sustainable practice.
- Studio founders and small practice leaders seeking to sharpen operations, strengthen positioning, and attract better-fit clients.
- Senior studio or practice managers preparing to step into greater business, leadership, or strategic responsibilities.
Rather than being limited to those already running a formal business, the program has been intentionally designed to support a range of entry points and aspirations.
“A program like this gives emerging studios the structure, clarity, and support they need to grow confidently,” says Kate Frear and Steve Coster of The Advisory Studio. “It’s about building capability and unlocking the full potential of design not just surviving, but thriving.”
Addressing an Industry-Wide Need
Amid rising operational pressures, shifting client expectations, and growing competition, the need for design-led professionals to access practical business support has never been more urgent.
With the program already 80% full, the strong response underscores a clear demand across the industry: architects and interior designers are actively seeking structure, strategy, and support to build more sustainable and resilient practices.
“Programs like this are essential for building resilient, focused studios,” says Melonie Bayl-Smith of Bijl Architecture. “When designers understand the ‘why’ behind their business, they spend less time on admin and more time doing the work that really matters.”
Peter Lee OAM of Hassell agrees: “When we help each other, we strengthen the entire profession. Supporting young designers to realise their potential isn’t just fulfilling it’s essential to creating lasting impact and value.”
Want to Find Out More?
Book a quick discovery call to see how the program and hub can support your studio - or reach out directly at Accelerator@co-architecture.com
Note: If you are looking to be a mentor in the program, please contact us via the above email.
