Lavallee Brensinger Architects Recognized by AIA New England as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm
We are proud to share that AIA New England has recognized Lavallee Brensinger as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm for the fifth year in a row. This acknowledgment reflects our continued commitment to creating an environment where individuals early in their careers feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow.
This year, we strengthened that commitment by launching our firmwide mentorship program, led by Jay Doherty, AIA and Eric LeBlanc, RA. The program was created to ensure that everyone, especially Emerging Professionals, feels supported in navigating both the technical and interpersonal sides of their work. Each participant selects their own mentor, allowing them to build a relationship that feels authentic and tailored to their interests, goals, and curiosity. Through conversations ranging from career development to project challenges to workplace dynamics, the program helps create a foundation of trust and shared learning.
“Everybody should have a mentor, even seasoned professionals who have been licensed for years deserve to have a trusted source of guidance,” said LeBlanc, who also spearheads our Emerging Professionals Group. “But our Emerging Professionals are in the most formative stage of their careers and should have a strong support system because they truly are the future of the firm and of the profession. Their growth is the most important measuring stick for the overall success and endurance of the firm.”
Our culture has long emphasized collaboration, exploration, and cross-studio learning. EPs at Lavallee Brensinger are encouraged to create their own career path by engaging with multiple studios, from Civic and Cultural to Healthcare, Higher Education, K-12, Science and Technology, Senior Living, and Workplace. This exposure allows them to discover what excites them most while building a broad foundation of experience.
Lindsay Woodward Associate AIA, Project Designer, is an Emerging Professional who is active in both our EP Group and Women at LBA. When asked about her experience, she shared, “Lavallee Brensinger’s dedication to developing emerging professionals is one of the firm’s most defining qualities. After interning during the height of COVID, I knew this was the environment where I wanted to start my career. The firm empowers young designers to chart their own path, supported by strong mentorship and valuable resources. Our monthly Emerging Professionals Committee meetings are a highlight, bringing designers together to learn, grow, and strengthen our shared knowledge of the industry and licensure.”
Are you interested in learning more about Lavallee Brensinger’s work and culture? Use the contact form on our website here: https://lbpa.com/contact/.