Increasing Licensure in Your Firm: Exams, Experiences & Equity

EVENT DETAILS

Now more than ever, aspiring architectural designers debate whether licensure is worthwhile. Earning a license to practice architecture is a massive effort—and firms can devote resources to their staff to reach that goal. This presentation guides firms of all sizes in the why and how they should undertake the responsibility for fostering the process.
Presenters will include success stories about how their firm has assisted more than 30 designers get licensed to practice architecture since implementing a focused assistance/acceleration program ten years ago. They will show the benefits to subsidizing licensure: investment in staff and morale, elevating the firm, bolstering recruitment and retention, diversifying personnel, and enhancing the profession.

CO Architects Principal James Simeo, FAIA, and Associate Principal Lauren Coles, AIA, will outline the office’s AXP/ARE licensing program, describe the process, share why helping staff earn a license matters in the current climate, discuss licensure data, and detail the opportunities provided to both firms and the profession through subsidizing licensure. The purpose of this presentation is to strengthen pathways to licensure by demystifying the process.

Please Note: This is a HYBRID event. (In Person at CO Architects LA Office / Virtual).

Those who cannot make it in person will have the option to attend virtually over ZOOM or TEAMS.

All registrants will be sent a link to join the event virtually in the Event Confirmation email that is sent out 24 hours prior to the event.

SPEAKERS

James Simeo, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C – Principal, CO Architects

James Simeo has over 30 years of experience with science & technology, higher education, healthcare and justice projects. He exhibits strong commitment to design excellence and client service in his projects, and he contributes to the firm’s development of new market sectors and building types. James holds a Master of Architecture from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan. He has been associated with the firm since 1993.

Lauren Coles, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT. Assoc. DBIA – Associate Principal, CO Architects

Lauren Coles brings over 20 years of experience partnering with higher education and healthcare clients on a broad range of projects from replacement medical centers to cutting-edge health sciences education and research facilities. Since joining CO in 2015, Lauren has acted as the firm’s licensing supervisor, providing mentorship and oversight on the licensing process. She is the former Chair of the AIA|LA Professional Practice Committee and is presently a Director on the AIA|LA Board of Directors. In 2021, Lauren was recognized with Building Design + Construction’s “40 under 40” award.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

AIA CES: Approved for 1.5 LU

1. Participants will discover the business benefits of creating a firm-sponsored path to licensure for employees.
2. Participants will be able to apply strategies on how to promote licensure within their practice and the community at large.
3. Participants will learn how to mentor and assist prospective test-takers on their paths to licensure.
4. Participants will identify the resources that facilitate licensure and the importance of each one.

PARKING

Parking on street available and for a fee inside building. No validation.