HARRISBURG – October 30, 2023

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Pennsylvania chapter, AIA Pennsylvania, recognizes twenty-four (24) architecture firms across the state with the EPiC Firm Recognition for 2023. The annual program facilitated by the chapter’s Emerging Professionals Committee or EPiC, recognizes firms for their commitment to the professional development of emerging professionals* and young architects** with an assessment of firm culture and support in four critical areas: licensure, leadership, and professional development, career advancement opportunity, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Parva Markiw, AIA, Chair of the Emerging Professionals Committee or EPiC, and Project Architect with DesignGroup, emphasizes the assessment and recognition’s commitment to equity. “The assessment has been carefully expanded and revised since its inception in 2016 to ensure architecture firms of all sizes and resources have the opportunity to be recognized for their commitment to fostering a culture supportive of emerging professionals and young architects.”

The following architecture firms earning the 2023 EPiC Firm Recognition will be celebrated during the annual AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Awards Broadcast and Viewing Parties set for the evening of Thursday, November 16, 2023.

Atkin Olshin Schade Architects | Philadelphia
Ballinger | Philadelphia
BLT Architects | Philadelphia
BRR Architecture | Philadelphia
Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates Architects | Mechanicsburg
DesignGroup | Pittsburgh
Desmone | Pittsburgh
DIGSAU | Philadelphia
evolve environment::architecture | Pittsburgh
FANCY PARSLEY Architecture + Design | Scranton
FIFTEEN Architecture and Design | Philadelphia
HOK | Philadelphia
IS-DG (IAN SMITH DESIGN GROUP) | Philadelphia
IKM Architecture | Pittsburgh
KCBA Architects | Hatfield, Center Valley
Lenhardt Rodgers Architecture + Interiors | Fort Washington
LGA Partners | Pittsburgh
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects | York
Phillips & Donovan Architects | Bedminster, Bethlehem
Re:Vision Architecture | Philadelphia
RLPS Architects | Lancaster, Pittsburgh
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative | Pittsburgh
SCHRADERGROUP Architecture | Philadelphia, Lancaster, Pittsburgh
WTW Architects | Pittsburgh

The EPiC Firm Recognition is a two-part nomination assessment open annually to Pennsylvania architecture firms with at least one Firm Principal/Firm leader that maintains AIA membership, employing at least one emerging professional or young architect that maintains AIA membership.

The nomination assessment period*** opens for emerging professionals/young architects in early June and closes at the end of June. A firm principal/leader named in the nomination assessment is then prompted to complete their assessment by the end of July to be considered for the recognition. The intent of the recognition is for firms to keep current annually to maintain their status as an EPiC Firm, establishing a check-in between emerging professionals/young architects and firm leaders.

In 2023, the EPiC Firm Recognition is supported by sponsor Sheetz, one of Pennsylvania’s homegrown convenience store chains offering superior a made-to-order menu, store design, and experience.

*AIA defines young architects as those whose date of initial licensure is less than 10 years ago (Architect Members – licensed).

 **AIA defines emerging professionals as those who have completed their academic studies up to the point of licensure or up to 10 years after completion of their academic studies (Associate Members – unlicensed). 

 ***Due to a regional conference being held in November 2024, this timeline may be moved up a month for 2023.

About AIA Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Pennsylvania, represents nearly 3,000 members across the Commonwealth working at the forefront of a nearly $17 billion construction industry. AIA Pennsylvania advocates for the value of architecture and policies that promote economic prosperity and the health, safety, and welfare of the public. As a membership organization, the chapter provides architecture professionals with the statewide community, advocacy, and knowledge to affect positive outcomes through the power of design.