VMDO Staff. Image courtesy of VMDO.

Over the past few years, the field has received a growing amount of attention that has highlighted long standing labor issues within the architecture industry, ranging from unsustainable pay models to unwelcoming work environments. Looking for an alternative, the Architecture Lobby created the Just Design Initiative, which recognizes fair labor practices in architecture. Beginning with nominations submitted by employees, and followed by an evaluation process, the team looked at practices that can serve as models of a new status quo within the profession. Archinect has teamed up with the Just Design crew to profile firms across the country that meet the initiative's standards. Whether it is a family-friendly work schedule or a health coverage plan that goes above and beyond, the series spotlights practices that honor the basic rights of their employees and can serve as exemplary models of what should become standard for the field.

At VMDO, their work is inextricably linked to their belief in the power of design to do the greatest good. Following the company ethos—“architecture is the bridge that connects people and place”—the firm specializes in the design of learning environments that are expressive of the community’s highest aims. 

Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, the 60 person firm is organized around 3 design practice areas: K12 Schools, Higher Education, and Athletics+Community. While their work focuses on educational environments, their commitment to knowledge extends beyond their design work to be incorporated into the culture of the office as well. 

Considered a teaching practice, VMDO has nurtured an office of lifelong learners and educators. Employees at the firm regularly teach on an adjunct basis, contribute to ongoing dialogues on theory and practice, contribute time to local non-profits, and engage in mentoring opportunities. 

Over the years, the firm has formalized this approach within the office through the creation of Advocacies. Advocacies, similar to knowledge groups, represent different areas of expertise such as project management, building technology, visualization, and sustainable design, among others. Each Advocacy has a director who coordinates with the firm’s three studios to help disseminate knowledge and resources across the firm.  

This program came about as a way to sustain the idea of being a teaching firm, which is at the center of VMDO’s practice. The firm aims to hone leadership skills that translate across their employee’s careers, ultimately contributing to the advancement of architecture as a profession and to the firm. This runs the gamut from holding twice weekly lunch and learns at the office to awarding stipends to employees for continuing education opportunities such as conferences, classes, or a road trip. 

At VMDO, employees can attend Monday morning tech talks on topics like fireproofing and air barriers, or attend a Friday lunch meeting on Revit—where lunch is provided. A newer initiative at the firm is their annual traveling scholarship, which is a competition-based benefit worth $5,000 and one week PTO that is intended to support autonomous and self-directed study. For 2018, the recipient was Noah Bolton, who travelled to Jerusalem to investigate sacred spaces and the spatial dynamics that inform them. Upon his return, Bolton will give a firm-wide presentation on his research to complement efforts at home.

This training helps to foster a level of autonomy amongst employees, who are trusted to be in charge of their own time. While employees are not expected to participate in everything, they are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities as workloads permit. Additionally, VMDO allows employees to take flextime and compressed work weeks as their project schedule allows. Mid level staff are provided with laptops—also available for all staff to check out—so that they can work from home around family and other obligations.

What sets VMDO apart is the level of emphasis placed on training young staff how quality buildings are made. “We envelop emerging professionals in our teams and expose them to all facets of our work,” says leadership of their approach which helps to foster a caring, inclusive, and family-live atmosphere within the dog-friendly office. "We have a great softball and soccer team too," leadership adds.