Click here to access the 2022 AIA Ohio Early Professional’s Annual Report.

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.

What is an 'Early Professional'?

 

An early professional is defined as someone who is part of the architectural staff and fills one of the following roles: architectural students, recent graduates, unlicensed emerging professionals within 10 years of graduation, or architects licensed within the last 10 years. Early Professionals may be referred to as “EPs” in this program.

Apply by March 15

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 15. 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.

2023 Leadership

Alex Oetzel, AIA

Alex Oetzel, AIA

AIA OHIO SENIOR EARLY PROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR

Moody Nolan
300 Spruce St., Suite 300
Columbus, OH 43215

Vacant

Vacant

AIA OHIO JUNIOR EARLY PROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR

Seth Duke, AIA

Seth Duke, AIA

AIA OHIO YOUNG ARCHITECTS FORUM REPRESENTATIVE

Bialosky Cleveland
2661 Shaker Rd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Phone: 270.256.8697

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.

Click here for the online CARES Application