July 25, 2023
Fostering Professional Growth and Development at A’23 the AIA Conference on Architecture
Investing in Employee Development Through New Experiences
Camaraderie. Collaboration. Development.
Transformational leaders inspire and ensure the continuous engagement, motivation, and development of employees. At GFT, I’m always impressed by how our growing architectural practice transforms buildings and places through integrated design. But how do they encourage the growth and development of emerging professionals and foster a vibrant community of future leaders?
Attendance at professional conferences and events is one way this team equips early-career professionals with knowledge, skills, and networks that can shape their careers and contribute to their long-term success. I sat down with GFT’s architectural leader and emerging professionals to discuss their growth experience on the national stage of A’23, the 2023 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture in San Francisco.
Diversity in Engagement
AMY: Attending a conference for professional development is a strategic investment in employee growth and development. Why is it important to provide emerging professionals with these growth opportunities?
HUZEFA: Conferences often showcase the latest advancements, innovations, and industry trends. Empowering emerging talent to be active participants demonstrates our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a company culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Our in-house AIA Engagement Committee designed an essay contest to engage our talented young professionals in the conference experience. The conference scholarship recipients were Kayla Zill, Austin Benham, and Brian Bueno.
Conference Insights & Actionable Goals
AMY: How will you use the knowledge gained at the conference to create actionable goals for professional growth?
HUZEFA: Conferences provide a source of motivation and inspiration for attendees at any career level. Witnessing the achievements and success stories of industry leaders ignites passion, drive, and ambition. We can learn so much from the journeys of others.
BRIAN: There were many stimulating seminars, lectures, and keynote speakers with bold ideas and vision. In addition to encouraging me to learn new skills, I’m inspired to jump on the track for professional licensure.
AUSTIN: We found many topics related to conservation, accessibility, equity, and sustainability. Kayla, Brian, and I are sharing key takeaways with the architectural leadership team at GFT to help develop our practitioners.
Maximizing Your First Professional Development Conference
AMY: Talk to me about your advice to others on preparing and planning for your first professional development conference.
KAYLA: Plan, but don’t overschedule. Make sure you leave time to do things like visit the expo floor, network, catch up on messages, and enjoy the locale.
BRIAN: Take advantage of all the conference offers, including sessions that are beyond the traditional classroom style!
HUZEFA: Conferences are a great platform for team building, too. Don’t miss out on spending quality time with your peers, whether a fun dinner at a hot spot or taking in some local sights before traveling home.
Investing in Employee Development
AMY: What guidance would you share from this experience?
HUZEFA: Together, we create the success of the industry’s next generation of professionals. Enhancing the professional growth of emerging professionals through attendance at conferences offers a chance for young talent to learn, progress skill sets, and make valuable connections, all while cultivating a culture of continuous learning and development.
Meet our expert
Amy Collins, FSMPS, CPSM
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Amy Collins, FSPSM, CPSM, is a collaborative marketing communications leader with over 25 years of experience shaping stories that connect people, purpose, and progress in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
Amy Collins, FSMPS, CPSM
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Amy Collins, FSPSM, CPSM, is a collaborative marketing communications leader with over 25 years of experience shaping stories that connect people, purpose, and progress in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. At GFT, she partners across teams to develop clear, engaging content that reflects the firm’s values and supports its growth.
Amy Collins, FSMPS, CPSM
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Amy Collins, FSPSM, CPSM, is a collaborative marketing communications leader with over 25 years of experience shaping stories that connect people, purpose, and progress in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. At GFT, she partners across teams to develop clear, engaging content that reflects the firm’s values and supports its growth.
Featured News & INSIGHTS
Designing the Future of Architecture Together at AIA25
5 Strategies for Crafting a Long and Meaningful Professional Journey
Rethinking Flood Risk: Identifying and Reducing Impacts Without Dams
From Transportation Challenge to Civic Destination: Springfield’s Intermodal Hub
GFT Supports Transportation’s Next Generation at COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference
In The News: GFT Named COMTO Northern California’s 2025 Corporation of the Year
