NBA Young Professionals' Forum
Our Young Professionals' Forum (YPF) provides junior staff an opportunity for group learning, collaboration, community involvement and professional development. Events throughout the year typically include site visits to local projects, lunch and learn presentations, round table discussions and social events.
Site Visits
YPF offers employees and summer interns the opportunity to tour NBA’s local projects and learn more about the multiple stages of construction. Prior to each site visit, the project team will give a presentation where they break down the design process, discuss any unique challenges and solutions and answer any questions.
Read more about our 1441 Peachtree site visit here and Camden Buckhead site visit here.
Licensure
Dedicated Architectural Experience Program "AXP" coordinator
NBA schedules orientation sessions for recent graduates to explain the process and identify resources available to help them prepare for the Architectural Registration Exam "ARE.”
ARE Prep
The firm provides access to an extensive ARE study material collection to aid in exam preparation, and study groups commonly form among ARE candidates within the office. Licensed staff regularly provide coaching, reviews, and strategy for successfully taking the exam.
Black Spectacles is a web-based software provided by the firm that offers tools such as video lectures and tutorials taught by professional architects. Information about the exam process as well as practice exams are also available, and it can even track a tester’s progress and show what areas might need a little more attention.
Amber Books is a course provided by the firm that includes over 50+ hours of well-animated instruction, more than 600 practice problems with explanations, a 375-page illustrated workbook, and over 700 digital flashcards. The program prides itself with providing the "highest likelihood of passing in the fewest number of hours studying."
Lunch and learns on the topic of licensure are held monthly and include presentations led by firm subject matter experts and round tables discussions.
Reimbursement
The firm will reimburse 100% of the cost of a passed exam and additional paid time off is also credited for passed exams.
Administrative Support
All information, records and hours are kept for each intern to facilitate the documentation of their activities.
Design Competitions
YPF’s design competitions encourage junior employees to compete either individually or on teams, and they have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions in front of a panel of NBA’s senior staff. Kicking off with the firm’s inaugural design competition in 2019, contestants who participated were awarded $1,000 in prizes!
Read more about the EVOLUTION:NEXTGen Housing 2050 Design Competition here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Giving back to the community has always been an important part of NBA’s culture. Whether it’s spending a weekend helping out at a Habitat for Humanity Build or participating in educational camps like STEM Academy that inspire younger students interested in the AEC industry, YPF offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year that are open to all employees.
Read more about our latest Habitat Build here and our Exploring Engineering STEM Academy held at Georgia Tech here.
Social Events
Feel like going out to a ball game at Truist, heading over to one of Buckhead’s many happy hour destinations, competing in an epic putt-putt competition, or testing out your racing skills in a Pinewood Derby? YPF organizes events like these and many more for our employees throughout the year!
