SMMAcademy:

Lifelong learning is imbedded in professional practice at SMMA and supported through SMMAcademy, our in-house system for professional development.

Discipline and group leaders create professional development plans for their members and offer seminars for broader audiences within the firm on such topics as sustainable design, marketing, finance, and project management. Formal office-wide Lessons Learned sessions feature the experience of project teams. CA: Lessons from the Field is a more casual exchange about current projects.

SMMA's Mentoring program has been cited as a “best practice” by the American Institute of Architects. SMMA’s Toastmasters chapter meets every other week to help staff members of all levels improve their communication and leadership skills. Knowledge groups, like the Sustainable Design Committee, meet regularly to share ideas and stimulate new approaches.

SMMA also encourages grass roots initiatives, like the SMMA Emerging Professionals, which begin in response to an immediate need or opportunity and may evolve to serve a broader goal.

To stay fresh on new ideas and trends, the firm regularly invites experts to share information on design, methods, materials, and products, and we support staff in going outside the firm to develop new skills and knowledge.