Continuing our long history of being recognized for our support of Emerging Professionals, our firm was again selected as an Emerging Professional Friendly Firm by the American Institute of Architects Central States Region for 2018. The AIA Central States Region (CSR) is composed of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. An Emerging Professional (EP) is defined by the AIA as a student, recent graduate or architect licensed within the last 10 years. This award is given to firms who display an outstanding commitment to the development of their EP staff.
As of the date of the award, SGA Design Group employed 28 EPs who represent just under 30% of our firm. We make it a top priority to hand-select, train and empower our employees. Some of the benefits we provide include payment of all NCARB and AIA annual fees, study materials, and paid time off to take the Architect Registration Examination. To enhance NCARB’s AXP (Architectural Experience Program, formerly known as IDP), we have developed an in-house mentoring program which pairs an emerging professional with a more experienced architect.
“Through participating in SGA’s AXP Academy, I am better prepared to take the next step in my professional career,” said Elizabeth Downey, who is currently working to obtain her license to practice architecture in the State of Oklahoma. “I am extremely grateful for all of the resources and opportunities my firm provides to enhance my full potential.”