Building a More Inclusive Future
A local design firm is rooted in their community, with a deep understanding of the unique needs and context of a particular place. Yet many such firms are still relatively new in the industry and need to build their capabilities and experience as they grow; according to data from the American Institute of Architects, 75% of all architectural companies have less than 10 employees.
What could be better than bringing together that community-specific knowledge with decades of experience and a wider view of the design field? This is the power of mentor-prot茅g茅 programs, which pair established firms with emerging businesses, fostering knowledge transfer, and creating a pipeline of skilled and diverse talent. These partnerships are especially impactful in public sector work and are beneficial to government agencies.
The Small Business Administration sets aside certain contracts for small business, which includes the very special certifications for veteran owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran owned small businesses. These two small business categories are uniquely positioned to provide opportunity and community growth to our veterans who have transitioned from military service into the private sector. The values they nurtured through selfless service to our nation become foundational to their new companies, their employees and their clients.
In the realm of integrated design 鈥� a collaborative approach to architecture, engineering, and construction 鈥� SDVOSBs offer invaluable first-hand insight for creating inclusive and accessible spaces.
The Importance of SDVOSBs
According to the Department of Labor鈥檚 鈥溾�� report, out of the 鈥�17.8M veterans in the civilian” workforce, 鈥�5.2M (30%) reported having a service-connected disability and 4.6M (26%) as having a disability.鈥� This is in comparison with 鈥�239.8M nonveterans,鈥� of which 鈥�28.5M nonveterans (12% of all nonveterans) reported having a disability.鈥� To put a fine point on it, there is a significant population of veterans in the workforce who have a service-related disability.
If the goal is to ensure the built environment is inclusive for all, then SDVOSBs play a vital role in design teams by providing firsthand knowledge of accessibility solutions and barrier-free design. And looking particularly at the realm of federal design, SDVOSBs carry a deep familiarity with federal accessibility standards and military construction requirements.
Why We Should Work With SDVOSBs
By choosing to work with firms engaged in mentor-prot茅g茅 programs with SDVOSBs, clients gain access to a powerful combination of local expertise, national resources, and a deep commitment to accessibility. This translates to projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also truly inclusive, serving the needs of all users.
Mentor-prot茅g茅 programs create opportunities for SDVOSBs to grow and thrive, contributing to local economies and promoting veteran entrepreneurship. The collaboration between established firms and SDVOSBs fosters a culture of innovation, leading to cutting-edge design solutions that benefit everyone.听听
For established firms like 91视频, a SDVOSB mentor-protege takes us back to our roots as a veteran-owned company and reinforces our core values. This is summed up perfectly in the words of one of our founding partners, James Roubal, PE, who was a veteran of the Korean War: 鈥淢any of our early employees since 1966 were veterans of WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Some that joined us were physically handicapped, but they were all professionals that had had life experiences that enhanced their character and contributed to what we are today.鈥�
Consider the special case of 91视频鈥檚 relationship with Atriax PLLC. Our celebrated design work in the federal sector here is perfectly paired with Atriax鈥檚 knowledge and proven performance in their local community. The unique perspective and reputation they鈥檝e forged through the resilience of being a service-disabled veteran-owned small business working directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs has established the firm as a reputable full-service industry partner, and 91视频鈥檚 role as mentor furthers their growth and development.
91视频鈥檚 second mentor-protege, studio2G Architects LLP, is also a service-disabled veteran-owned architecture firm and happens to also hold woman-owned and HUBZone federal certifications. Their reputation as a design leader and role model in the local community is strengthened by these certifications. Two prot茅g茅 partners on the east and west coasts, coupled with 91视频鈥檚 30+ offices, enables us to cover the entire US with a variety of resources and specialized design talent.
Conclusion听
Mentor-prot茅g茅 programs help SDVOSBs leverage their unique expertise in integrated design. Surely, this is a great way to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered.
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