“Discussing Mentoring from Different Perspectives” by Sean Stadler, AIA, LEED AP at WDG Architecture

Sean Stadler, AIA, LEED AP, is a past chair of the Young Architects Forum (YAF) and National Associates Committee (NAC) will host a discussion to provide insight on how to create meaningful exchanges between mentors and mentees. He will examine specific strategies to foster individual relationships, provide mentoring topic suggestions and discuss programs that serve as a guide for mentees.

Three key mentoring terms will be discussed:

•           “Training” refers to skills enhancement to improve one’s performance in his/her current role. This includes the day to day tasks such as project management and construction administration.

•           “Development” refers to improving current skills and adding new ones to equip an individual to take on new responsibilities and new roles.

•           “Mentoring” refers to guidance related to both career and life outside career requires two way chemistry and rapport. Effective mentoring can – and often does – include training and development along with coaching and nurturing.

 

About the speaker:

Sean Stadler, AIA, LEED AP, currently serves as Design Principal and is an Associate Principal of the firm WDG Architecture.  He focuses on elevating the firm’s stature in design, with particular emphasis on enhancing the civic realm in redeveloping communities.  Sean has championed the pursuit of complex, high-profile urban projects, bolstering WDG’s reputation for designing distinctive, high-rise structures with contemporary urban sensitivity.   Mr. Stadler’s diverse experience includes commercial, residential, educational, sporting and medical facilities. He holds senior responsibilities for strategic planning; design oversight; project management; marketing; recruiting and hiring, and has helped to develop the firm’s mentoring program.

Sean holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University. An active member of the design community, Mr. Stadler has been a panel speaker, moderator, and presenter at events such as the AIA National Convention; he has served as an awards juror for programs such as the AIA Institute Honors and Awards; and he has frequently served as a design critic for both Kent State and the Catholic University of America’s Architecture Schools. Sean is currently serving on the AIA|DC Board of Directors and on Kent State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design’s Professional Advisory Board.  Mr. Stadler was honored in Cleveland with an AIA Presidents Award for his service to the profession and was selected as one of Building Design + Construction magazine’s winners of the 2009 “40 Under 40” competition and is a recipient of the 2011 AIA Young Architects award where the jury noted “he is a unique individual of outstanding talent and clear commitment.”

If you are in the midst of the Intern Development Program and need some guidance, taking the licensing exams, looking for a mentor, want to hear what other interns and recently-licensed architects are doing, please attend the monthly Mentoring Workshop and bring your questions and concerns about IDP, the ARE, and other practice issues for this open question and answer session. New interns and mentors are welcome! Please feel free to contact Diane Leeson (Diane.Leeson@perkinswill.com) if you have any questions.