AIA Ohio Early Professional Friendly Firm Designation
This AIA Ohio program celebrates firms who offer exceptional support and opportunities for their early professionals. Additionally, the program seeks to foster a dialogue within firms across the state with the objective of creating new policies and practices that promote innovation, development, and progressive workplaces for the future members of the design profession. AIA Ohio expects that early professionals will consider firms that have earned this designation to assist them as they look match their skills with firms’ values as they seek employment.
How do I apply for the EP Friendly Firm designation for my firm?
Applicants will be required to complete a 53 question survey worth 107 possible points that includes questions from across 6 categories. These questions cover an array of areas critical to developing EP Friendly Firms. The survey is open from Feb. 1 through March 1. EPs in your firm will have until March 15 to verify your submission. Applications will be scored and firms will be notified by March 31.
What firms are eligible?
- All architecture firms that have an office in the state of Ohio meeting the requirements outlined below are eligible to apply. Firms with more than one Ohio location shall apply for each office location separately.
- A majority (more than 50%) of the principals in the firm or local office submitting are members of the AIA.
- A percentage (more than 33%) of the Early Professionals, as defined above, in the firm or local office submitting are members of the AIA. If no individual meeting the early professional criteria is currently employed the firm is still allowed to apply.
- The firm is current with AIA Ohio supplemental dues requirements.
- The firm does not utilize any unpaid labor as defined in the AIA Ohio Unpaid Labor Policy.
How will firms be recognized?
There are two designations possible that a firm may receive. The Early Professional Friendly Firm Designation and the Early Professional Friendly Firm Plus+ Designation.
EP Friendly Firm
EP Friendly Firm Designation is earned by receiving a passing score of 70% (75 points) or above through the EP Friendly Firm questionnaire.
EP Friendly Firm Plus+
EP Friendly Firm Plus+ Designation is earned by receiving a score of 80% (86 points) or above.
How will firms be recognized?
There are two designations possible that a firm may receive. The Early Professional Friendly Firm Designation and the Early Professional Friendly Firm Plus+ Designation.
EP Friendly Firm
EP Friendly Firm Designation is earned by receiving a passing score of 70% (55 points) or above through the EP Friendly Firm questionnaire.
EP Friendly Firm Plus+
EP Friendly Firm Plus+ Designation is earned by receiving a score of 80% (63 points) or above, and was in the top 5% of scored questionnaires.
2024 Leadership
Alex Oetzel, AIA
AIA Ohio Young Architects Forum Representative.
Moody Nolan
300 Spruce St., Suite 300
Columbus, OH 43215
Zach Herbst, AIA
AIA Ohio Senior Early Professional Director
MSA Design
316 W. Fourth St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513.241.5666
Mark Hensler, AIA
AIA Ohio Junior Early Professional Director
Burns & McDonnell
530 W. Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 513.476.3047
Resources
AIA OHIO C.A.R.E.S. PROGRAM – AIA OHIO CATALYST FOR ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION EXAM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
AIA Ohio has created a scholarship program to reimburse associates for costs associated with taking and successfully passing the ARE. These costs may include testing fees, study materials, etc. All Ohio residents actively taking ARE sections are eligible. Each applicant is eligible for one grant for one section of ARE passed per calendar year. The goal of the program is to encourage candidates to continue to pursue registration. Applicants are required to complete the application in its entirety. AIA Ohio Associate members are eligible for a $200 grant. All other applicants are eligible for a $100 grant. This program has limited funding. Scholarships will be evaluated in the order received and awarded until the available funds are exhausted.
