KTGY Receives Firm Mentorship Award from AIA California Council
Award Highlights KTGY’s Generation-to-Generation Focus
IRVINE, CALIF. – October 22, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Award-winning national firm KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture + Planning, is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded the 2014 Academy for Emerging Professionals (AEP) Firm Mentorship Award by the American Institute of Architects California Council (AIACC). The award is the highest recognition given by the AIACC AEP to a firm that has made an extraordinary effort to mentor emerging professionals through the implementation of specific programs.
“This is an extremely exciting award for our company,” said KTGY CEO Tricia Esser. “We focus on building our firm generation-to-generation and we work very hard to give our young professionals the tools and opportunities to become leaders at KTGY.”
KTGY Senior Designer Ben Kasdan, AIA, LEED AP would concur. “KTGY’s mission statement specifically outlines its commitment to edifying its employees and embracing change,” Kasdan says. Kasdan is currently a Supervisor/Mentor for KTGY’s Intern Development Program (IDP) and a NCARB Architect Licensing Advisor. “KTGY looks to provide opportunities and professional growth for its emerging professional employees since they represent the future leadership of the firm,” Kasdan adds. Kasdan also serves as the Young Architect Regional Director for Southern California on the AIA National Young Architects Forum (YAF) and is a member of the AIA California Council (AIACC) Academy of Emerging Professionals (AEP).
KTGY was given the award in recognition of its numerous development opportunities and activities geared toward young professionals and interns. Highlighted programs include: newly-hired employees are automatically assigned IDP Supervisors/Mentors, and progress towards licensure is an integral component of the biannual review documentation. In addition, a series of employee benefits have been designed to promote licensure for emerging professionals including but not limited to access to current editions of Architect Registration Exam (ARE) study materials, 40 hours of paid time off for test taking and/or preparation, and a bonus given upon licensure.
“In order to attract the best and the brightest emerging professionals, KTGY maintains a culture of mentorship and makes supporting the licensure process a priority in an effort to appeal to potential employees,” said Esser. “Gaining exposure to all aspects of architectural practice will create better architects, especially if employees are exposed to more varied experience at a young age. They are the future of our firm and we invest in them, and our clients benefit.”
With offices located across the country, university students interested in applying for KTGY’s Summer 2015 Internship program are invited to apply online at KTGY.com. There will be a limited application period available after the first of the year. Those seeking permanent, full-time employment can view KTGY’s job postings online as well.
KTGY Group, Inc. was founded in 1991 by professionals who shared a common belief in creating a design firm that would perpetuate its success by investing in superior, productive people with positive attitudes and encouraging a team philosophy. This philosophy fosters an environment of support, training, listening and artistry, which has attracted the best and brightest young people, as well as some of the industry’s top seasoned professionals. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, market and consumer trends, and financial performance. KTGY provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY is headquartered in Irvine, California, with offices in Oakland and Los Angeles, Denver, Colorado and Tysons, Virginia. See www.KTGY.com
