Omni welcomes WKU AIAS students for tour
As a teaching practice, Omni Architects is committed to supporting the next generation of design professionals through mentorship, shared knowledge, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Omni Architects recently welcomed members of the Western Kentucky University chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) to its Lexington office for a behind-the-scenes look at the practice of architecture. AIAS is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to advancing leadership, design, and service among college-level architecture and design students.
Omni Senior Associate Teddi Hibberd, AIA, led the students on a tour of the firm's office, introducing them to Omni's collaborative design process, discussing the diverse career opportunities available within the profession, and sharing insights into several projects currently underway. The visit provided an opportunity for students to connect with practicing architects, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of how architectural projects progress from initial concepts through design and construction.
The experience extended beyond the office with a hardhat tour of the new Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) Classroom Building, currently under construction at the college's Newtown Campus in Lexington. The tour offered students a firsthand look at the construction process and an opportunity to see how architectural drawings and design decisions translate into built spaces. Observing construction in progress also provided valuable insight into the coordination, problem-solving, and collaboration required to bring a project to life.
A Commitment to Teaching and Mentorship
Omni Architects has long embraced the philosophy of being a teaching practice, recognizing that the exchange of knowledge and experience is essential to both professional growth and the advancement of architecture. This commitment is reflected in the firm's collaborative culture, its mentorship of emerging professionals, and the involvement of team members in architectural education and professional organizations.
For Omni, mentorship extends beyond the walls of the office. By engaging with architecture students through office visits, construction tours, and educational opportunities, the firm seeks to help bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice while encouraging the curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking that shape successful design careers.
Just as importantly, these interactions create opportunities for Omni's team to learn from the fresh perspectives, questions, and ideas that students bring to the conversation.
Omni Architects appreciates the opportunity to connect with the WKU AIAS students and thanks them for their enthusiasm and interest in the profession. We look forward to following their journeys as they become the next generation of architects and design leaders.