The AIA Maryland Early Professional Friendly Firm designation celebrates firms that offer exceptional support and opportunity to their early professionals, and helps set the standard for progressive practice statewide.
This program celebrates firms who offer exceptional support and opportunities for their early professionals. Just as important, it fosters a dialogue within firms across the state, with the aim of creating new policies and practices that promote innovation, development, and progressive workplaces for the future of the design profession.
Any architecture firm with an office in Maryland where more than 50% of the principals in the applying firm or local office are AIA members.
We accept one submission per firm statewide, so multiple Maryland locations need to submit collectively.
Signed by the early professional(s) and principal(s) who completed the survey, along with at least 33% of the firm’s early professionals.
Anyone who has completed their academic studies up to 10 years post-licensure — including full-time EPs, part-time EPs, and student interns. Every application question should be answered with all three groups in mind.
Small Firms:
Medium Firms:
Large Firms:
1–10 staff
11–49 staff
50+ staff
Showcase your firms commitment digitally and in your offices.
Firm leadership will receive a pin they can wear anywhere.
You'll get a spotlight on the AIA social media, in our newsletter & with local components.
Gain statewide visibility as a firm that values the next generation of architects.
Congratulations to the firms recognized in the program’s inaugural year!
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
Salisbury, MD
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
The EPFF recognizes architecture firms that go above and beyond to support early-career professionals through mentorship, licensure support, equitable policies, and workplace culture.
No, there is no fee to apply for the EPFF Designation. AIA Maryland intends to keep the program free and accessible to all firms.
The EPFF helps attract and retain emerging talent, strengthens firm culture, and showcases leadership in workforce development.
It promotes your firm as a leader in supporting early professionals, enhances visibility, and provides a valuable recruitment tool.
Submissions are reviewed by a jury, and firms will be notified by email of their designation status the week.
Any architecture firm with an office in Maryland that meets AIA Maryland eligibility standards can apply. Solo practitioners are welcome to apply as well.
We encourage the Early Professionals and the Principals to collaboratively fill out the survey together. Each firm submission must be confirmed by the firm’s Early Professionals. The completed survey is forwarded to the Early Professionals listed for verification.
An Early Professional is anyone who has completed their academic studies and is up to 10 years post-licensure as an architect. This includes interns who have completed studies, unlicensed staff, and recently licensed architects.
A part- time intern or a summer intern should not be included.
An Early Professional is anyone who has completed their academic studies and is up to 10 years post-licensure as an architect. This includes interns who have completed studies, unlicensed staff, and recently licensed architects.
A part- time intern or a summer intern should not be included.
Each firm submission must be confirmed by the firm’s Early Professionals. The firm forwards the confirmation email to those listed for verification.
There is no preparation needed, they simply should encourage their firm to apply and
participate in filling out the survey with a Principal at the firm.
Only anonymous Innovation Bonus responses may be shared to highlight best practices.
The EPFF is an annual designation. Firms reapply each year to maintain their recognition.
No, the EPFF is a Maryland initiative, though similar programs exist in other states such as Ohio, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
If you have firms in multiple states, this designation is only used within the office it was submitted.
Set aside time for your early professional(s) and principal(s)
to complete the questionnaire together before September 21.