AMDG maintains a long-term commitment to the personal and professional growth of all their employees, which is significant in setting AMDG apart from most architectural firms. "Part of our mission is to grow good architects," says Cal Jen of A.M.D.G. Architects. "We want to be mentors to young architects as they develop their talents and careers." And indeed, the internship process at AMDG is important - it is a process that places high emphasis on "real world" experience that young architects don't always gather from the classroom.

AMDG deems interns to be a key element of the firm, bringing both an unbounded enthusiasm to learn and a passion for architecture that infuse the entire office. Interns also contribute, as a blend of current students and recent graduates, their familiarity with emerging themes in architecture, which may not be as well known by architects that have been out of the academic environment for a number of years.

Interns at AMDG are scattered throughout the open office workstations to allow for greater tutelage and mentoring from the senior and project architects. This is a large part of what interns value about their time at the firm.

"One of the most powerful tools AMDG employed was mentoring," says Ted Sandstra, an intern from May 2000 to December 2001. "This involved everything from mentoring about the techniques and systems in place at AMDG to mentoring about architecture and business skills. The open office encourages a constant communication and observation of techniques, skills and values."

Valerie Robinson, an intern since September 2002, agrees. "AMDG is very patient with the interns. Everyone here explains everything and makes sure that the intern understands. They are very understanding that these months are a lot of ‘firsts' for us. That makes it comfortable for an intern to ask a lot of questions."

Along with exposure to the process of architecture, AMDG invites interns along to construction site progress meetings and tours of completed projects. Cal leads monthly intern training classes on subjects such as pencil and marker renderings or how to start a firm. Above all, the firm actively supports and encourages interns during all phases of their Internship Development Program. All of this is done in an effort to help the interns see the "bigger picture" of architecture.

Since AMDG values the success of its interns, the firm is always asking for input on what aspects of their training could be done better. Intern Emily Hikade recently suggested AMDG be more vigilant about teaching the AMDG standards to interns when they start working for the company.

"I was pleased by the enthusiastic response to my suggestion," said Emily. "It is very rewarding to work in an environment that values the opinions of their employees so highly."

The firm has since incorporated Emily's idea into their strategic planning as an important point to work on. AMDG sees the interns as important resources to help the firm improve.

Previous employees are dubbed "alumni," a testament to the firm's belief that the relationships forged by the mentoring process do not end following employment at AMDG. Alumni frequently return to visit, ask for advice, and update the office on their current endeavors.

Architect interns are the future of the profession, and AMDG enjoys being able to "grow" these young architects into well-rounded professionals. The firm benefits from helping interns to develop their talents and careers, and the interns gain valuable real-world experience as a result.
 

Interns at one of their "sketch lunches" - a time to socialize and improve their sketching skills
 

"My most enjoyable experiences occurred when I was able to participate in the project meetings, particularly when the design was being discussed. I appreciated that my thoughts and ideas were considered and even sometimes implemented."
-Rick Broene, summer intern in 2001, 2002 & 2003



"It has been very refreshing to work for a firm which is so invested in the growth of its interns. I don't feel as if this is an industry standard yet."
- Pam Danckaert, current intern



"The project structure that AMDG uses, of Principal, Associate and Intern being teamed together for the life of a project is a fabulous idea. It allows the intern to be involved in discussions and decisions that they wouldn't be at other firms, and staying with the same project for a longer time span improves our understanding of the entire process."
- Russ Kinder, current intern

 A.M.D.G. entered Second Story Properties' First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest in October 2003
 

"AMDG does a great job of building a strong team relationship."
-Huynh Tran, current intern



"Under the patient tutelage of the people at AMDG, I became very proficient in AutoCAD. I learned what is required to get a building built. I learned what it takes to make a company run smoothly and profitably, with an emphasis on treating people in a respectful way. In short, everything a student architect needs to learn about working on real projects, the things they are not going to teach you in school, I learned at AMDG."
- Tim Nanzer, intern from May 1997 to August 1998