2025 AIA Washington Council EPFF Application

AIA Washington Council is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Certification. This is the inaugural year of this program in the state of Washington, which builds on similar programs at other AIA components across the country, including the former AIA Pacific and Northwest Region.

SURVEY INSTRUCTIONS
All questions in the survey must be responded to, and answers must keep the firm's identity anonymous. Please allow at least an hour to complete the survey; all questions can be found in the Submittal Guide. Firms with offices in more than one location should reference their Washington locations only. The applications are due no later than September 1, 2025. No extensions will be given. Awarded firms will be notified via email and will receive their certificate at the 2025 AIAWA Civic Design Awards program on November 13, 2025.

All applications are to be submitted without identifying the firm. Please name your application as follows: use the first, middle, and last initial of the principal providing the final signature followed by the last 4 digits of your phone number. Your applicant ID can be no more than 7 characters long. For example, Jane Marie Doe would enter JMD1234. Please use this ID to name your application file when you submit it.

Download the SUBMITTAL GUIDE PDF

Step 1 of 9

Firm Information
Responses to this section are not scored.
Submittal Contact Email(Required)

Submittal Contact Phone(Required)
Firm Name(Required)
Firm's Principal(Required)
First Last
Firm Emerging Professional Representative(Required)
First Last
Create Application ID(Required)
Please name your application as follows: use the first, middle, and last initial of the principal providing the final signature followed by the last 4 digits of your phone number. Your applicant ID can be no more than 7 characters long. For example, Jane Marie Doe would enter JMD1234
Firm Size(Required)
The AIA categorizes architecture firms by small (1-10 professional employees), medium (11-49 professional employees), and large (50+ professional employees). Select one.

Small

Medium

Large
Firm employees are members of the following AIA Washington component(s)(Required)
If the firm has more than one office in Washington, please select all that apply.
AIA Central Washington
AIA Seattle
AIA Southwest Washington
AIA Spokane
The firm offers the following in-house professional services(Required)
Select all that apply.
Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Urban Planning
Other
Add OTHER Services(Required)
You selected OTHER above. Please list the other services the firm offers.
Please confirm the firm's survey respondents understand that the AIA has updated their definition of Emerging Professionals by retyping the new definition here(Required)
Please confirm the firm used AIA's updated definition for Emerging Professionals to complete this survey.(Required)

Yes

No
Does the firm wish to be considered for the Outstanding Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award?(Required)

Yes

No
Total number of firm employees at ALL locations(Required)
Include full-time and part-time employees in the response.
Total number of firm employees working in Washington(Required)
Include all part-time and full-time employees working in Washington, regardless of title and position.
Total number of Emerging Professionals working in Washington(Required)
Include all part-time and full-time employees working in Washington who meet the AIA definition of Emerging Professional.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY
Firm Makeup
Responses to this section are not scored. Note that individuals may identify with more than one group listed below, and these categories are not mutually exclusive.
% of Emerging Professionals working in Washington(Required)
The total number of EPs working in Washington divided by the total number of firm employees working in Washington.
% of Emerging Professionals in Washington who have established an NCARB Record and are registered with the Architectural Experience Program (AXP)?(Required)
% of Emerging Professionals who are Associate AIA(Required)
% of Emerging Professionals who belong to other organizations (such as NOMA, USGBC, ACE, etc.)(Required)
% of firm leadership working in Washington who are Emerging Professionals(Required)
For this question, leadership constitutes an individual with the following titles: Partner, Principal, Associate Principal, Senior Associate, Senior Staff, Associate, or equivalent
% of firm Emerging Professionals working in Washington who identify as a gender other than male(Required)
(e.g. women, nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, etc.)
% of firm leadership working in Washington who identify as a gender other than male(Required)
(e.g. women, nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, etc.) For this question, leadership constitutes an individual with the following titles: Partner, Principal, Associate Principal, Senior Associate, Senior Staff, Associate, or equivalent.
% of Emerging Professionals in Washington who are racial or ethnic minorities(Required)
% of firm leadership in Washington who are racial or ethnic minorities(Required)
For this question, leadership constitutes an individual with the following titles: Partner, Principal, Associate Principal, Senior Associate, Senior Staff, Associate, or equivalent.
% of Emerging Professionals in Washington who identify with any underrepresented or marginalized identity(Required)
(e.g. LGBTQIA+, individuals with access challenges, religious minorities, etc.)
% of firm leadership in Washington who identify with any underrepresented or marginalized identity(Required)
(e.g. LGBTQIA+, individuals with access challenges, religious minorities, etc.) For this question, leadership constitutes an individual with the following titles: Partner, Principal, Associate Principal, Senior Associate, Senior Staff, Associate, or equivalent.

SCORED SURVEY PORTION
SUPPORT AND COMPENSATION
Is the starting salary for an EP ‘Recent College Graduate (Non-licensed)’ above the median of $59,000?(Required)
This salary median is set by the AIA Compensation Survey Salary Calculator, using the Pacific Region as a baseline. https://salarycalculator.aia.org/salary.aspx

No

Yes (2 points)
Is the starting salary for an EP ‘Architectural Staff Level 1 (Non-licensed)’ above the median of $72,800?(Required)
This salary median is set by the AIA Compensation Survey Salary Calculator, using the Pacific Region as a baseline. https://salarycalculator.aia.org/salary.aspx

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm match cost-of-living data from trusted and accessible sources like the C2ER Cost of Living Index (COLI) to determine fair and competitive wages for its employees?(Required)
https://www.coli.org/

No

Yes (2 points)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm cover the cost of an Associate AIA membership for Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm cover the annual cost of NCARB fees for Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm cover the cost of licensure fees?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm cover the cost of all passed ARE exams?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm cover the cost of any failed ARE exams?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm provide Emerging Professionals with non-vacation paid time off to take the ARE exams?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm provide Emerging Professionals with non-vacation paid time off to study for ARE exams?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm recognize the completion of ARE and licensure with additional compensation, including bonuses or increases in salary?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm have written standards that outline the bonuses or salary increases associated with completion of licensure?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm cover the cost of ARE classes, online training courses, or preparation books for Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm offer weeks of paid maternity leave beyond a Short-Term Disability policy/practice?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm offer paid partner leave?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
How does the firm provide a flexible work environment, recognizing the importance of time spent outside the office, that is equally available to Emerging Professionals and all staff? Provide examples of the flexible work environment and scheduling offered.(Required)
(Up to 3 possible points at jury discretion)

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Does the firm provide diversity training or similar programming for the firm and its Emerging Professional staff?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm encourage the use of pronouns during introductions or within email signatures?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm provide reimbursement for Emerging Professionals to engage with and attend EDI events, seminars, or workshops?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% Covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm provide non-vacation paid time off for Emerging Professionals to engage with and attend EDI events, seminars, or workshops?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm have an internal EDI committee or champion to provide diversity awareness and programming that includes a firm leader and an Emerging Professional employee?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm encourage all staff to read the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice?(Required)

No

Yes (1 point)
Does the firm cover the cost of NOMA membership?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% Covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm have outline strategies for recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities in employment?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm track progress on firm diversity (gender, ethnic, racial, etc.)?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm sponsor or support local/regional EDI committees, groups, or events?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
How does the firm intentionally recruit, develop leaders, and engage diverse Emerging Professionals within the firm?(Required)
(Up to 3 possible points at jury discretion)
What steps does your firm take to ensure layoff decisions are made with equity and inclusion in mind?(Required)
(Up to 3 possible points at jury discretion)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Does the firm provide reimbursement or cover the registration for Emerging Professionals to attend conventions, conferences, or other continuing education events (excluding the AIA Conference on Architecture)?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% Covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm provide reimbursement or cover the registration for Emerging Professionals to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% Covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm provide non-vacation paid time off for Emerging Professionals to attend conventions, conferences, or other continuing education events?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm provide reimbursement or cover the registration for Emerging Professionals to attend daily AIA or industry-related events?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm provide non-vacation paid time off for Emerging Professionals to volunteer with the AIA or related field opportunities?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm encourage and provide funding and/or training for additional certifications (such as LEED, WELL, Fitwel, etc.) for Emerging Professionals, based on individual interest?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% Covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
Does the firm provide or support leadership opportunities and/or training for Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If OTHER, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm publicly recognize newly licensed architects upon successful completion of the ARE and fulfillment of state requirements?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
How does the firm encourage participation in and/or provide opportunities for community engagement, professional groups, or design organizations?(Required)
(Up to 3 possible points at jury discretion)

LICENSING PROCESS
Does the firm offer a mentorship program and/or provide a mentor to all Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm allow all Emerging Professionals to request to be placed on projects that will help meet the specific criteria of AXP?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm provide a mentor to Emerging Professionals specifically to help with the AXP process?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm encourage Emerging Professionals to establish an AXP Mentor outside the office as per the AXP Guidelines?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Do all AXP supervisors in the firm have knowledge of current AXP Guidelines and the requirements for registration in the jurisdiction?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Do all AXP supervisors in the firm verify that all records are accurate before signing each Emerging Professional's experience report?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm designate a registered architect as an in-house AXP coordinator for all Emerging Professionals on the path to licensure?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the in-house AXP coordinator meet quarterly with all the Emerging Professionals to review their progress and to help them compile Council Record updates to NCARB?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm provide opportunities for licensure candidates to earn AXP experience hours in all required areas through exposure to projects at various stages?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm own and/or provide ARE preparation materials for all exams?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm cover the cost of ARE preparation materials that require a subscription?(Required)

No

Yes (2 points)
Does the firm cover the cost of ARE preparation materials that require a subscription?(Required)

No

Yes, 100% covered (2 points)

Partially, more than 50% covered (1 point)

Partially, less than 50% covered (.5 point)
How does the firm ensure Emerging Professionals are able to participate in all phases of design, documentation, and construction?(Required)
(Up to 3 points at jury discretion)

LEADERSHIP
Does the firm encourage Emerging Professionals to develop and lead new programs or committees within or outside of the firm?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm provide Emerging Professionals with regular and comprehensive reviews that encourage and measure growth and development at least annually?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm work to engage Emerging Professionals in the entire project duration, from conception through completion?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm provide a variety of project experiences to expose Emerging Professionals to a broad range of responsibilities and challenges?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
Does the firm include Emerging Professionals in ALL areas of the firm’s practice, such as design, documentation, construction, presentations, client meetings, consultant coordination meetings, job site meetings, code reviews, etc?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
How does your firm provide leadership opportunities and leadership training within your firm? And how does the firm provide opportunities for Emerging Professionals to be involved in practice management?(Required)
(Up to 3 points at jury discretion)

FIRM CULTURE
Does the firm openly share its salary and benefits structure and procedures with employees?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)

Other (Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If Other, please describe your policy/practice(Required)
(Up to 1 point at jury discretion)
Does the firm share information about upcoming project pursuits with all staff, including Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes (1 point)
Does the firm share the state of the business regularly with all staff, including Emerging Professionals?(Required)

No

Yes (1 point)
Does the firm provide opportunities for Emerging Professionals to interact and/or communicate with clients?(Required)

No

Yes (Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
If YES, please describe your policy/practice
(Up to 2 points at jury discretion)
In what ways do Emerging Professionals inform the general values and culture of the firm?(Required)
(Up to 3 points at jury discretion)

FINALLY YOU ARE ALL DONE
Just need you to finalize your form by checking a couple more boxes and hitting the SUBMIT button.
Principal Consent(Required)
I agree to submit
You have filled this out in truth.
EP Consent(Required)
I agree to submit
You have filled this out in truth.
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Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm Application

Firm Information

COMPLETE THE SURVEY

Firm Makeup

SCORED SURVEY PORTION

SUPPORT AND COMPENSATION

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LICENSING PROCESS

LEADERSHIP

FIRM CULTURE

FINALLY YOU ARE ALL DONE

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