The past few months have reinforced the importance of teamwork in the face of health challenges, and confrontation of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in society and in our profession. Our ongoing focus and attention on our team composition has allowed us to build, grow and develop our most valuable asset: our people. The most recent additions to our dynamic team bring talent, perspective, energy, creativity, and skill that make our solutions for each project unique to its special circumstances.

Our team is very proud to announce that Richard Abendroth, AIA and Robert Kuentzel, AIA have both achieved licensure as Architects. At Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS, Richard and Robert gained requisite well-rounded on-the-job experience, and completed the National Council of Architectural Review Board Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the 6-part Architectural Registration Exam (A.R.E.). The AXP requires completion of 3,740 hours across six professional practice areas while the A.R.E. assess knowledge and skills of the practice including areas that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impact of a building, as well as an architect’s responsibilities within firms, such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other professionals.

Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS recognizes the importance of a healthy office environment for the well-being of its employees, and continually strives to improve and maintain these spaces. One sound way to improve air quality, enhance visuals, as well as employee alertness and energy levels is by bringing nature inside of the building through living green walls. Over the past half century, a notable increase of urban dwellers has led to an increase in air pollution and loss of green spaces. Living green walls infuse office interiors with life-renewing greenery. They offer an inspirational and aesthetically intriguing natural boost to employee morale. The structures of living, breathing plant life create the “wow factor” so many designers seek while championing sustainability. The benefits of green walls are felt in our office every day.

Last semester, the firm welcomed to the studio a talented intern, Michael Njo, an IPAL student from The Catholic University of America. The IPAL (Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure) program was created by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in 2015. The program offers a dynamic, innovative path to licensure for students who are dedicated to becoming an architect by integrating the opportunity to gain the real-world experience necessary to complete the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) and ensuring that each IPAL student can take all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®).

Our firm’s collective involvement with industry and professional organizations is led by the participation of our Partners. Their roles in the community and recent election to the Boards of two distinguished organizations establish a solid foundation for our staff at Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS to build on. In this week’s #DesignLINE, we highlight the missions and some of the latest happenings at the National Building Museum and the International Student House in Washington, DC.

Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS is driven by our talented and diverse teams; our people are our most valuable asset who help our clients to achieve innovative design solutions for the unique challenges of neighborhoods, communities and markets. Over the past year, we are fortunate to have new architects, designers, and industry leaders join our design studio who bring skills, perspective, energy, and personality to our dynamic team. Please join us welcoming them.

With 5 University of Virginia alumni currently on our team, we were very excited to host a week-long externship for two students from the School of Architecture: Audrey Liu, a second year MArch candidate, and Rhett Lin, a fourth year undergraduate student. The externship provides a glimpse into the professional life of a designer in an architecture firm with exposure to all aspects of practice.

Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS team members are engaged with the community by providing service as board leaders, conducting pro bono projects, and educating the public and the profession. Our passion and committment go beyond the studio through our involvement in organizations such as those highlighted in this article.

At Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS, our talented people are what drive the unique and innovative design solutions to the challenges of our neighborhoods. Our professional design staff is our most important asset and we’re excited for this opportunity to welcome aboard a creative and diverse group of architects and designers that have joined us over the past year.