The firm has earned the designation annually since 2016 in recognition of its commitment to supporting newer professionals in the field.
Since the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Pennsylvania launched its EPiC program in 2016, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has been recognized every year as an EPiC firm, one that fosters emerging professionals.
It has demonstrated that support in four key ways: by encouraging architectural licensure, developing leadership, supporting work/life balance, and providing an inclusive and diverse culture.
A culture of mentorship
M&D Senior Associate Cody Cummings, who earned his architectural license in May 2022, completed the firm’s application for the 2022 award. Since joining M&D in February 2019 as an Architectural Designer, Cummings has benefited greatly from the mentorship of senior Architects.
Through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), licensed Architects at M&D helped him meet his hourly work requirements and prepare for the six exams he needed to pass to earn his architectural license.
“I just think that the environment is more welcoming at M&D,” Cummings says. “You can go to anyone with a question you have.”
Having a wide array of experts at M&D means an emerging Architect has a pool of people to approach for help, whether for information about building codes, design software, or historical renovation.
Expanding architectural experience
One key to repeatedly earning the EPiC designation, Cummings says, is M&D’s dedication to allowing designers to gain experience in every area of Architecture. M&D works on numerous types of projects, from historical preservation, and office building interiors to skatepark, retail, and health care design, as well as a wide variety architectural application.
That versatility expands the opportunities for employees to grow their skills and experience while earning the hours needed for licensure. It’s one aspect of the firm that drew Cummings to M&D.
“It really shows how much we care about the industry as a whole, giving people the experience to become licensed,” Cummings says.
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Architectural Designer Harper Brockway also has benefited from the M&D mindset. Since coming to the firm as an intern in 2020, then joining M&D full time in May 2021, Brockway has been logging hours toward her architectural licensure. Working on a variety of projects with diverse responsibilities has kept that process moving forward.
“M&D does a great job of exposing even young designers to every step of the process and not getting stuck in one corner of the process,” Brockway says. “Being exposed to different things always creates encouragement to learn more and continue to learn more about each process.”
In 2023, she hopes to complete the required hours for licensure and begin taking the six licensing exams, the cost of which M&D will reimburse when she passes the tests. Cummings has offered her study materials for the exams and shared what worked for him as he prepared for the tests.
M&D co-founder and Principal Architect Frank Dittenhafer FAIA LEED AP, has helped Brockway amass hours through AXP, and other Architects readily have shared their expertise when she’s needed it.
“They’ve been extremely helpful guiding and encouraging,” Brockway says. “M&D is really a great place to work and really encourages positive professional growth.”
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects took on the Architecture, Interior Design, & Overall Project Management for the new Bedford Elementary School, and the outcome is impactful.