Legat Architects recognized by American Institute of Architects’ Iowa chapter as one of only 16 firms in the state for its support of students, recent graduates, and early-career design professionals
There comes a time in every aspiring architect’s career where things get tense. A consultant is disorganized. A contractor is late. Construction quality slips. When that happens, team members need to be called to task … an uncomfortable moment for any architect-in-training.
While most of his projects have gone smoothly, Christopher Shoemaker of Legat Architects’ Iowa City, Iowa has confronted a few awkward situations involving outside firms. Fortunately, though, Shoemaker had the support he needed to address the issues and quickly get the projects back on track.
“These are sink or swim scenarios,” said the Iowa State University graduate. “But I didn’t have to worry about sinking because senior team members were right there with me every step of the way.”
When “emerging professionals” (EPs) like Shoemaker set out to advance their careers, finding a firm that supports them no matter how difficult the challenge is a critical factor.
Legat Iowa City studio staff Jim Hollenback, Maria Osterberg, and Christopher Shoemaker
The American Institute of Architects’ Iowa chapter (AIA Iowa) has recognized Legat Architects as one of only 16 EP Friendly Firms within the state. The designation identifies firms that “offer exceptional support and create opportunities for” students, recent graduates, and architects licensed within the last 10 years. Qualifying criteria range from compensation and benefits to support for licensure and professional development.
Legat’s firm-wide focus on mentorship and staff development plays out in a strong retention rate — many EPs have gone on to become project managers and firm leaders.
Recently installed President and CEO Jeff Sandberg has prioritized advancing the firm’s longtime emphasis on early-career staff training.
“It’s rewarding to see people come to Legat early in their journey and go on to achieve fulfilling careers here,” he said.
A broad mix of experience levels within Legat’s studios offers emerging professionals mentoring and peer support.
Small Firm Mindset, Large Firm Opportunities
According to Jim Hollenback, director of Legat’s Iowa City studio, architecture grads now entering the workforce face several obstacles. First, the COVID-19 shutdowns interrupted their education or training.
“While I am sure this built resilience,” he said, “I also suspect it cut into their preparation for the workplace.”
He also points out that those entering the field are doing so at a time of economic uncertainty, divisiveness, and new technology impacting how projects get completed.
Legat helps employees combat these stressors with a “‘small firm’ mindset — EPs take on many different responsibilities, which helps them find their place in the industry,” said Hollenback.
An involved leadership network urges senior staffers to mentor emerging professionals. Examples range from guiding their path to licensure or prepping for client meetings to offering tips at building assessments or construction site visits.
Additionally, Legat structures teams at each of its six Midwestern studios to create a broad cross section of experience. Interns and recent graduates work side-by-side with veterans who have spent over 30 years honing their craft.
“The best idea can come from anyone,” said Legat Director of Design Evan Menk. “While each of our studios has a distinctive culture, what unites us is the belief that everyone should have a voice in the design process.”
Building Skills and Going Beyond the Screen
Menk added that the experiences EPs get when they start their Legat careers expose them to various phases of the design and construction process on different project types.
“Student interns and emerging professionals typically start working on multiple smaller projects to build their skill set and identify what they enjoy,” he said. “When they join project teams for larger projects, they have a solid background and confidence.”
Site visits are another important part of an architect’s training — they enable EPs to understand how decisions made during design impact work in the field.
“I’m a big believer in seeing how a building is built rather than just sitting behind a computer and imagining how it will be built in two dimensions,” said Shoemaker. “Legat has helped in getting me to project sites to learn and experience the reality of construction.”
The best idea can come from anyone. While each of our studios has a distinctive culture, what unites us is the belief that everyone should have a voice in the design process.
Evan Menk, Director of Design, Legat Architects
Paving the Path to Licensure
Legat not only encourages EPs to pursue architectural licensure but also provides resources to make it happen. A subscription to online study guide Amber Book helps employees prepare for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Additionally, EPs seeking licensure find a wealth of support from peers who are pursuing licensure or have recently passed their exams. The firm also reimburses employees for all passed exams and does not require employees to use paid time off to take the exams.
“Legat has been very supportive while I’ve been working on my AXP (Architectural Experience Program) hours for my license,” said Shoemaker. “I’ve let my project managers know where I’m lacking in hours, and they have found opportunities for me to jump in on a project so I’m able to achieve the hours I need.”
Homegrown Design
Shoemaker has many fond memories of attending student assemblies and after-school events in Muscatine Community School District’s Central Auditorium. He was thrilled, then, when he joined Legat’s design team for upgrades at that same facility. Additional Muscatine Schools projects that Shoemaker has supported include the Susan Clark Athletic Complex now under construction, a new central production kitchen, and baseball and softball field upgrades.
“I believe many architects dream of going back and improving the place they grew up in, and Legat was able to make that dream happen very early in my career.”
Christopher Shoemaker of Legat’s Iowa City studio contributed to the design of Central Auditorium upgrades now under construction in his hometown of Muscatine, Iowa.
Shoemaker isn’t the only Legat team member to contribute to projects in communities where they grew up. For instance, five-time Legat intern Cooper Frakes recently joined Legat’s Quad Cities studio after graduating from Iowa State University. Frakes contributed to the design of a new YMCA in his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa.
Critical Thinking and Teamwork
EPs at Legat also learn problem-solving skills and how to weigh different viewpoints.
“When emerging professionals here have questions,” said Hollenback, “they’ll discover that mentors answer not just with the ‘what’ but also with the ‘why’ to strengthen critical thinking. We also encourage them to consider alternative perspectives when resolving a conflict — the owner, the contractor, the engineer, and others.”
This training gives EPs a competitive edge in communication and coordination abilities. Shoemaker, for example, ran a meeting with the State Fire Marshal Division when doing plan reviews for a University of Iowa project.
Though Legat supports them in many ways, most EPs agree that one strength makes the biggest impact: a commitment to working as a team.
Employees from Legat’s Iowa City and Quad Cities studios during the “Spirit Week” celebration of the firm’s 60th anniversary.
“The understanding among all employees here is that we are a team, and when a team member needs help, many others are there to chip in,” said Shoemaker.
