Mentorship in Action – Bridging Design and Construction at MJM
How Site Visits Enhance Learning and Collaboration at MJM Architects
At MJM Architects, our mentorship program is more than just guidance—it’s about hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between design and construction. Recently, our young professionals had the opportunity to visit an active construction site, gaining invaluable insights into how their work on paper translates into reality.
Mentorship is a two-way street—where emerging professionals gain hands-on experience, and seasoned staff reflect on and refine their processes. Our mentorship program, introduced by Gretchen Fisher, Associate, is designed to connect seasoned employees with newer team members to foster growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
“The goal of the mentor program is to help mentees set personal and professional goals, and provide the necessary materials & support to achieve those goals. Mentees are paired with mentors outside their direct supervisory chain to build connections across the firm.”
– GRETCHEN BARKER, ASSOCIATE, MJM ARCHITECTS
Our mentorship program, introduced by Gretchen Fisher, Associate, is designed to connect seasoned employees with newer team members to foster growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Recently, a group of young professionals joined Doug Cantrell, Associate, MJM Architects, on a site visit to the Everette Downs project, gaining invaluable real-world experience. Participants included:
Emily Roach
Ryan Throne
Amanda Fiscus
John McGraw
Brian Doherty
Matthew Collier
Tyler Phillips
Claude Schaller helped coordinate the visit but was unable to attend.
Emily Roach, Project Coordinator, shared:
"I had a very informative time on the site visit, where I was given the opportunity to see construction in action. Seeing how materials I utilize in programs are actually utilized in real life was super beneficial to expanding my knowledge on construction. Seeing the phases of construction in real time helped me to better understand how changes in the construction documents are handled within the field."
Ryan Throne reflected:
"Being on site is more valuable than studying details on paper. The mentorship program gave me the chance to see commercial construction firsthand and learn directly from experienced leaders like Doug. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to keep growing with MJM."
Amanda Fiscus added:
"It was a great experience to be on site and see a project come to life. It’s not too often that we see a project beyond the computer screen. Site visits are a great way to understand the construction process and see all of the moving parts coming together."
This mentorship initiative not only accelerates learning for our younger staff but also provides an opportunity for our senior team to review their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), evaluating what’s working and identifying areas for improvement.
By fostering this culture of shared learning and continuous feedback, MJM Architects strengthens its team and enhances the quality of service we deliver to our clients.
Stay tuned for more stories from our mentorship program as we continue to invest in the growth of our people and the success of our projects.
Why MJM Architects Stands Out in the Industry
For nearly 40 years, MJM Architects has demonstrated remarkable growth, leadership, and innovation, from acquisitions and ownership restructuring to award-winning projects and community engagement.
