FK University Fosters Continuing Education and Collaboration
Collaboration and continued education have given life to many discoveries over the years. Finding solutions to complex problems remains at the forefront of our industry as we forge ahead with new applications, alternative materials, and design methodologies. That's why we're committed to attending conferences, participating in presentations, studying market data, and collaborating with our colleagues about industry trends. This past year, we launched a new initiative and introduced FK University, an internal program that facilitates further growth and education. Whether someone is finishing their master's degree, completing the licensure process, or sharpening skills, the FK University curriculum provides ways for people to enhance their skill sets to provide innovative and creative solutions as we continue to grow and innovate for clients.
"FK University is a resource that illustrates the firm's commitment to education, learning, and growth for employees," said Manny Lamarche, Project Designer, and FK University Team Lead. "From the beginning, this program's design embodied a collaborative mindset and the singular mission of expanding our professional education in an inclusive, safe, and people-oriented environment."
FK University started with a planning session in which each attendee provided input about what they wanted to accomplish professionally in 2022. Then we designed and launched - each month, offered additional resources for our employees, including lectures and webinars. Examples of this year's sessions included discussions on the interlinked relationship between design inspiration and storylines; trends impacting the present and future of the industry; proper techniques for various waterproofing requirements from our consultant team JLC Engineering; a GBES webinar hosted by LEED Green Associate and President of Green Building Education Dean D'Angelo, covering the certification process for green building practices, and a presentation from our intern, Tyler Scott, detailing his experience at ESRI working on the ArcGIS Urban Team.
FK University also incorporated company field trips to locations such as KENPAT's Apopka, Florida factory, and Barn Light Electric's facilities in Titusville, Florida. KENPAT is a manufacturer and specialty contractor that provides panelized wall systems, framing and drywall, interior and exterior wall systems, ceiling systems, and architectural specialties. Barn Light Electric is an appliance, electrical, and electronics manufacturing company specializing in handcrafted vintage-inspired, modern, and custom lighting.
"The successful evolution of FK University has provided us with room for growth and continual experimentation," said Ken Linehan, Managing Principal at FK Architecture. "I am immensely proud of our team's commitment to further education and expand our collective knowledge to assist our clients."