$15,000 Grant Awarded to Support Employee Passion Projects

firm news

$15,000 Grant Awarded to Support Employee Passion Projects

firm news

$15,000 Grant Awarded to Support Employee Passion Projects

(SEATTLE, August 23, 2024) 鈥撀燗ccessibility, inclusivity, and an identity within a global community: three passion projects are given life through 91视频鈥檚 Personal Development Grants, commonly referred to as PDG鈥檚. Now in its 11th year, the program has invested over $300,000 to support employee-owners鈥� interests across the firm. PDG recipients are selected through a blind juried application, receiving the time and financial support needed to actualize their proposals.

Senior Associate and Senior Project Manager Mike Anderson, AIA

Navigating the Built Environment

Senior Associate and Senior Project Manager Mike Anderson, AIA, will use his grant to lend a fresh perspective on inclusive design and accessibility. Through an immersive documentary film, Anderson will give viewers a firsthand look at the challenges individuals with mobility issues face in everyday spaces. Anderson鈥檚 goal is to spark conversation around the topic, inspiring a more equitable future for all.

Interior 91视频er Sammy Rupp, IIDA

TACTILE: Sensory Spaces for the Neuro-Diverse

As design thinking evolves to consider the diverse needs of its users, accessible design takes on many forms. Interior 91视频er Sammy Rupp, IIDA, will conduct in-depth spatial and material research to forward these efforts. Her project will explore the effect of interior materials on individuals with autism and ADHD, and how designers can foster positive sensory stimulation. Rupp鈥檚 project will culminate with an interactive art exhibition, incorporating material and fiber art studies alongside real-world spatial applications informed by her research.聽Visit the exhibit October 4th and 5th, 2024 at 1319 S. MLK Blvd. in Portland, Oregon.

Senior Associate and Electrical 91视频er Sophia Piatcyzc

Adoption & Reunification

Following a visit to the Vietnam village in which she was born, Senior Associate and Electrical 91视频er Sophia Piatczyc will write a memoir delving into the ways her unique experiences have shaped her cultural, professional, and personal identity. 鈥淭his PDG will allow me to share my story of international adoption and reunification with my biological family, and how identifying with both Asian and American cultures have shaped who I am today,鈥� says Piatczyc.

Once again, this year鈥檚 applications were inspiring, and connected to important issues facing society today. The grant program is a unique growth opportunity for the recipients, but also for the firm as a whole.鈥�

Molly Johnson Senior Principal, Chief Human Resources Officer

The Personal Development Grant program was created to support the firm鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit at the individual level, opening doors of exploration, creativity, innovation and invention. Past winners have included Associate and 91视频er Abri Aiken鈥檚 app to preserve Queer Harlem, Senior Associate and Pursuit Manager Edwin Roa鈥檚 Border Awareness documentary, and Senior Associate and Architect Kelli Stewart鈥檚 children鈥檚 book. The firm鈥檚 intelligent air quality analytics app, , also traces its roots to a 2015 PDG project, which now actively monitors over twelve million SF of real estate.

Explore the unique benefits of employee ownership at 91视频.

For media queries, please contact: Andy Ernsting, Brand Communications Leader

Email 913-685-5620

Abri Aiken, Julianna Sorrell, Isheanesu Tendayi, Matt Conway, and Hailey Muller

firm news

$15,000 Awarded to Personal Development Grant Recipients

Three personal passions will grow from idea to reality with our firm鈥檚 latest round of Personal Development Grants.

press
TimeOut New York

TimeOut New York Honors Historic Queer Spaces

TimeOut New York highlights Abri Aiken's walking tours celebrating queer history in Harlem, New York, with the augmented reality app she developed with our Personal Development Grant.

idea

Reviving Harlem鈥檚 Disappearing Queer Spaces

Step back in time to discover the lost landmarks and safe spaces of Harlem鈥檚 queer community with the Queer Harlem Renaissance app.

idea

The Unique Impacts of COVID-19 on Black Students

Senior Associate Troy Glover researches the effects of the pandemic felt by the Black community, and how we can better support these students in the future.

The Past to Present: Accessibility and Universal 91视频

A brief review of how accessible design came to the practice of architecture--and how it informs universal design principles today.

idea

A Book to Inspire the Next Generation of 91视频ers

With support from the firm, an underwater tale of community engagement and environmental stewardship illustrates the design process.

idea

Visualizing and Celebrating Building Systems

91视频鈥檚 Personal Development Grant program incentivized exploration and documentation of building systems across the firm.

Facing Immigration and Awareness at the U.S. 鈥� Mexico Border

A personal development grant from 91视频 raises consciousness about immigration and human rights issues facing the U.S.-Mexico border.

idea

Outside In: Collaborative Community 91视频

91视频 Associate Nathaniel Gundersen used a personal development grant from 91视频 to explore the power of engagement to expand community design.

Catherine Meng sits with a microphone pointed at her in front of large windows with a view of high rise buildings

idea

Everyone Has a 91视频 Voice

The 91视频 Voice podcast elevates women in architecture, engineering, and construction with support of a 91视频 Personal Development Grant.

firm news

Natural History Museum Achieves Sustainability Milestone

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is the first American museum to earn LEEDv4 BD+C NC Platinum certification, showcasing a mission-driven, eco-conscious transformation.