Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has received the EPiC Award each year since AIA Pennsylvania unveiled the program that recognizes firms that support emerging Architects.
M&D’s Ryan Shank
Ryan Shank still remembers the pride he felt when he received his license from the State Architects Licensure Board.
“It’s a pretty monumental moment in your career,” he says. “Even with a degree, you can’t call yourself an Architect until you have that in hand.”
Receiving that license not only opens doors for Architects to further their careers, but it speaks to the caliber of men and women working in a firm. That’s why Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects is so diligent in supporting their graduate architect associates to pursue their license, which has landed the firm its fifth straight American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania EPiC Award.
The firm allows Architectural Designers to be involved in all projects, for schematic design, construction documents. They’re encouraged to be involved in construction administration and bidding.
Becoming an Architect
AIA Pennsylvania identifies three main criteria for the Firm Fostering Emerging Professionals (EPiC) recognition: the quality of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP); leadership; and the level of support and flexibility offered by a firm throughout Architecture Registration Exam testing process.
Although Shank had his license before he joined M&D in 2014, he wishes he had the support Frank Dittenhafer II, FAIA, LEED AP, President of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, gives those registering for the series of tests.
Architectural Designers must log a certain number of hours on the job, equal to about three years of work, before seeking to be licensed. After that, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects provides paid time off to take the exams, reimburses for half the exam cost, and has study materials available in the office.
M&D’s Patrick Ness
Developing leaders
Patrick Ness, Associate at M&D, has completed the required hours for the license exams and plans to take them soon. But beyond the license itself, the EPiC award recognizes firms who support leadership development. For Ness, that includes serving on the Board of AIA Central Pennsylvania, as well as a subcommittee that organizes the annual design awards ceremony.
“Our office promotes personal development to such an extent that we’re not just members of the AIA, but we’re encouraged to get involved in the Architecture community,” Ness says.
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Shank also serves on the AIA Central Pennsylvania Board and just this year accepted a seat with AIA Pennsylvania, while also serving on a subcommittee for political action.
“It’s professionally satisfying to be in those leadership positions,” Shank says. “I have a unique perspective of what’s going on at the State and Local levels and how Architects can play a role in legislature.”
The mentorship that is fostered at Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has not only provided positive outcomes for Ness and Shank, but it’s a mentality that’s felt throughout the firm. Shank now tries to encourage other Graduate Architect Associates to get involved in leadership opportunities early in their careers.
“I was guided toward things that would not only help me develop networking skills but make me a better Architect and a member of the community,” Shank says. “We have a lot to be proud of at M&D.”
The memorial’s groundbreaking took place in June, and the dedication is set to take place on November 11, 2024, or Veterans Day.