SMMA Recognized as 2018 AIA New England Emerging Professional Friendly Firm

Last Friday, SMMA was recognized as a 2018 AIA New England Emerging Professional Friendly Firm. This award is given to firms who display an exceptional commitment to developing their Emerging Professional staff; Emerging Professionals are any students, recent graduates, or architects licensed within the last 10 years.

This year, each firm applicant exhibited a level of dedication to their Emerging Professionals through their policies, benefits, and status with NCARB’s AXP program, making the selection process particularly competitive. SMMA was commended for excellence and distinction, scoring a total of 35 points (out of a required 32) to meet the Friendly Firm status.

“When Jess [Smith] came up to me and asked me to do this with her, it was very exciting,” said Emerging Professional and Architectural Designer Ryan Glick. “As a new employee, being able to go to the AIA’s event and have a direct involvement in the discussion about my professional development was a great experience.”
 

SMMA offers unique opportunities to its emerging staff, such as a formal mentor program that pairs junior staff with a more senior employee of their choosing for a year-long partnership, ARE and LEED study groups, research opportunities, and a newly implemented Integrated Internship program for students. SMMA is also involved with the ACE Mentor Program, which allows Emerging Professionals to serve as mentors to high school students within the community.

“The majority of our senior staff, myself included, have been with SMMA since we were Emerging Professionals,” explained Principal and Architect, Jessica Smith. “To me, that longevity exemplifies SMMA’s investment in people and their individual development as professionals.”