The AIA Indiana Emerging Professional Friendly Recognition is a newly established annual designation approved by the AIA Indiana Board of Directors in 2024. The goal of this program is to celebrate 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.
An early professional, or EP, is defined as someone who is part of the architectural staff, has been working in the architectural profession for 10 years or less and fills one of the following roles: recent graduate or unlicensed emerging professional.
This accolade aims to provide a clearer, more accessible route for individuals pursuing licensure. Two designations are possible for a firm to receive: the AIA Indiana Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Designation or the AIA Indiana Emerging Professional Exemplary Firm Designation.