As we envision the future of architecture, AIA North Carolina wants to highlight and celebrate workplaces that foster growth and opportunities for Emerging Professionals (EPs) to engage in the profession and in our communities. The AIA North Carolina – Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award and Certification was developed to honor architecture firms that create supportive, career-advancing environments for EPs to flourish. Certification will be granted annually to architecture firms that foster the growth of diverse, creative, resilient, and knowledgeable architects. The Outstanding Award will be presented annually to firms that demonstrate they go above and beyond to offer superior support and opportunities to EPs in other exceptional ways.

To apply, at least one Emerging Professional and one firm principal from a North Carolina office should meet to fill out the following survey together. Firms with multiple offices in NC must fill out the survey with at least one Emerging Professional and at least one firm principal from each NC office. One submission per firm. The Emerging Professional(s) should have a strong understanding of firm policies and working knowledge of their peers' status with NCARB's AXP program.