By Paula Stafford

For Annmarie Brintnall, it was an opportunity to study the effects of globalization on retail. For Brad Barnett, it was the chance to figure out what, beyond architecture, goes into getting a project built. Peter Krech opted to analyze the evolution of a concept from design to execution. These are all diverse topics, to be sure, but the three individuals share quite a bit in common. All three architects were just starting their careers when they became the first inductees into Callison’s Fellowship program, and all embody the Seattle-based firm’s vision, values, and culture.

Inspiration for the program came when Callison’s board of directors realized the need to recognize the firm’s rising stars and created a program that would accelerate the careers of young, talented, motivated employees. Since the first three undertook the challenge in 2002, another 20 Callison employees have earned a spot in the year-long program. The Fellowship is offered to employees who embrace the collaborative spirit of Callison and navigate a dynamic work environment, while demonstrating leadership skills, commitment, and the drive to consistently enhance their areas of expertise. The program involves Fellows selecting a research topic, ongoing mentorship with senior leadership, and self-directed study that culminates in a presentation to the firm. The idea is to focus on individual professional development that is directly applicable to work they do within their studios.

A Fellow in 2004–2005 who is now an associate principal, Chris Beza credits the program with providing him the opportunity to interact with people he would not have worked with otherwise. The experience gave him a better understanding of the overall goals of the firm and has guided his decisions regarding projects, staffing, and career path.

"A highlight of my Fellowship was the opportunity to travel to Japan to research retail destinations," Benza says. "I visited highly respected spaces like Roppongi Hills and Omotesando, which helped to expand my own horizons in terms of what is possible in retail architecture."

The self-directed study aspect of the program expands skill sets and accelerates career paths. "The Fellowship is a challenge for you to define where you want to go in your career and to identify the skills you need to get there," says Krech, now a Callison director. "The study aspect is truly independent—you are responsible for developing a goal, strategy, schedule, and budget. Most professionals pick up these tools over time; the Fellowship accelerated this process for me."

During the year, Fellows are provided direction from design leaders, a key to the program’s success. "For most participants, a significant benefit to the Fellowship program is the opportunity to form a mentoring relationship with one (or more) of the firm’s principals," says Molly Pym, marketing manager. "This dedicated face time, which can be difficult to get when you’re engaged in day-to-day work, allows you to be matched with leaders that share your interests." Pym chose to explore an area of personal and professional interest: international marketing messages. It allowed her to shape an international marketing role that is beneficial to the firm’s continued global advancement.

While the Fellowship program clearly enriches the recipients’ life, it also brings benefits to clients and staff—and it’s a great retention tool. Using the Fellowship program opportunity to broaden her understanding on the topic of open spaces, 2006-2007 Fellow Saijun Xue visited three public open spaces to help her reevaluate her own designs. "The program has helped me progress in my career," says Saijun. "Now, as an associate principal, the skills I learned in my Fellowship enable me to mentor staff."

Fellows Topics

Topics chosen by Fellows vary. Over the years they have ranged from the effect computers have on conception of physical space, to color and the built environment, to work-related stress and its effects. This year’s Fellows are building knowledge in sustainable design for high-rise buildings, smart growth and building energy systems, and brand development.

While Callison doesn’t consider the program a reward, the experience is rewarding. "It was almost like being given the keys to the car," says Barnett. "When you come out of school, your toolbox is very limited, very building-centric. I wanted to understand the motivators about what we do, how we interact with clients, how things like culture and budget filter down to design."

Now a Callison director, Barnett believes the program fundamentally changed his perspective as an architect. "I feel my role is to be an extension of the client," he says. "I learned through my Fellowship that good design is important for our client’s bottom line, and I aim to bring their goals and values into a well-designed product."   

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Paula Stafford, IIDA, is an executive vice president at Callison in Seattle. She serves on the board of directors and oversees the firm’s brand, design, and communications efforts.