Emerging Professionals Studio
The path to licensure is so much more than pure learning; it is about doing, inventing, empowering, experiencing and preparing the next generation for a future of limitless possibilities in the design profession. The firm’s EPS makes the journey more accessible for emerging professionals (EPs) with support from colleagues and peers who have gone through the same experiences and have come out the other side with proven achievement and success.
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Learn more about the opportunities available for emerging professionals and interns at HBG Design.
Honored by the industry.
The firm’s EPS incorporates emerging professionals, through their tenth-year post licensure, from both architecture and interior design. Providing guidance toward licensure, the EPS provides well-rounded perspectives for participants and understanding of the importance of both disciplines to the overall design process.
HBG Design’s EPS program has been consistently recognized by AIA Tennessee as an Outstanding Emerging Professionals (EP) Friendly Firm.
EPS was also nationally honored by AIA and NCARB as one of only four recipients to earn the 2015-2018 Intern Development Program (IDP) Outstanding Firm Award.
Supporting the licensureprocess.
Through the EPS, EPs work as a group to develop support strategies for licensure and make recommendations to provide support for peer groups. Since the licensure process is always evolving, EPS plays a vital role in advising the firm on updates and changes to licensure programs, for example, the recent addition of the AXP program. With this input, the firm maintains current ARE and NCIDQ study materials, as well as materials for the CDT, LEED, WELL, PMP and several other certification exams. The firm also pays 100% for licensure exams and will reimburse for past successful exams.
Experiential learning and leadership.
The EPS coordinates supplemental training, site visits/project tours, ARE and NCIDQ study sessions, and professional engagement with the local AIA and IIDA components, with the flexibility to ensure fulfillment of AXP program hour requirements. Regular EPS meetings are scheduled with topics ranging from codes to life-safety; space planning to sustainability – all supporting the path to licensure. Everyone in the EPS group is empowered to initiate a discussion, or lead an event or portions of a group project they feel passionate about and that will lead to growth of their peers and colleagues.
Leadership in design projects.
EPs and student interns work as valued project team members, gaining exposure to design challenges and idea exchanges and encouragement to provide input in project design critiques where every voice is respected, while acquiring increasing levels of hands-on design leadership.
Team building activities.
The EPS works closely with other firm initiatives to coordinate employee engagement activities. From painting parties to kick-ball and indoor soccer teams; group nights and happy hours at new restaurants to family-centered outings, EPS is actively improving firm culture and making the firm a stronger, more dynamic organization.