Barge Certified as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tennessee Chapter has certified Barge as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm. Presented at the AIA Tennessee Conference on Architecture in Knoxville, this certification underscores our commitment to fostering the growth of our early-career professionals and enriching their experience.

We provide various learning and mentoring opportunities to assist early-career professionals. From day one, our focus on goal planning and mentoring promotes personalized guidance and support for these team members. We encourage them to connect with mentors and actively participate in our Young Professionals Network (YPN) and local chapters of AIA, ACE Mentor of America, and the Urban Land Institute.

Barge’s YPN empowers our young professionals by providing career development resources within our walls, such as webinars and job-site visits. We believe that supporting a community where experiences are shared is vital to one’s professional journey.

Additionally, our mentorship program pairs an advisor (mentor) and confidante (mentee), guiding the mentee through career development and key professional moments. This program helps early-career employees grow into the next generation of successful Barge leaders, with mentors enhancing their leadership skills and influence.

“Barge’s employee experience is truly centered on the well-being of its staff,” says newly licensed architect Kendall Maples, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate. “Through mentorship, unique project opportunities, and robust support for pursuing career goals, I’ve found numerous resources and benefits that make this an exceptional place to work. I’m fortunate to have collaborated with a diverse project team on many exciting projects.”

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