OZ Gives Back by Developing Talent

But at OZ, it’s the start of something more. That same intern is invited into design charettes, pulled into project conversations, and asked what they think—not because they have all the answers, but because their perspective—and their growth—matters to us.

For 61 years, our firm has pushed beyond rigid structures to shape community life through our OZ Gives programming. Our stewardship goes beyond the built environment to support three priorities: restoring natural systems, advancing livable communities, and building a future for the next generation of designers who will transform neighborhoods and rethink skylines.

That last piece is personal to many at OZ. As our Student Summer Intern Program kicks off in 2025, we’re thinking about our legacy of mentorship. It’s a necessity. Young talent’s fresh perspective helps us challenge old assumptions, reveal blind spots, and energize our culture. Their creativity fuels what’s next and carries our trade into the future. We continue this energy through the development of emerging professionals as well.

Blueprint for Belonging

Architecture has historically been male-dominated and often lacked diverse voices. When we set this historic imbalance right through intentional mentorship, we have so much to gain in better design and needed solutions across practice areas.

"Strategies for developing talent must include developing a sense of belonging for those looking to join the industry, those already in it, and those building their careers here at OZ, especially for those from historically disadvantaged communities. We acknowledge the impact that this has on the early talent that we are touching in school programs like CAL and ACE, as well as on the college students to whom we provide job shadow and internship experiences, and to staff internally who are looking for mentoring and professional development."
Chris Vandall, Associate Principal

Walk through OZ’s Denver office, and you'll likely see mentorship happening organically, from a senior architect sketching with an intern to a spontaneous pin-up turned design lesson explaining the difference between waterproofing and dampproofing. We've structured our mentorship to meet people where they are – whether a high schooler who's never heard of REVIT or a recent graduate trying to navigate their first design presentation. Throughout the year, we refocus so our mentorship stays as dynamic as the projects flowing through our studios with OZ University sessions and one-on-one development.

"We champion individual learning journeys, providing dedicated mentorship that empowers each professional to define their path and contribute to our collective success. Every four to six months, we reinvest in our greatest asset – our people – ensuring a continuous cycle of learning, advancement, and a stronger OZ for tomorrow."
Giria Briceno, Associate Principal

Representative Leadership

When Jen Fumuso walked into OZ 14 years ago, she saw something rare in architecture firms: women in leadership positions. It is not just tokenism but real representation with equitable career growth and advancement. That visual mattered.

"One of the reasons I started at OZ 14 years ago is that I saw so many women in leadership positions and knew there was a path for me to do the same. Now that I am among the leaders here, I am buoyed by the knowledge that OZ is still committed to ensuring we maintain that path for all who come next. Our diversity of voices lends to more thoughtful design and allows us to create spaces where all feel welcome."
Jen Fumuso, Associate Principal

Representation is also about recognizing that the buildings we design serve everyone. When we create spaces for families, shouldn't parents be at the table? When we design older adult communities, don't we need perspectives from people who've navigated caregiving? Architecture impacts how people live. Our teams must reflect the full spectrum of human experience.

Turning Internships into Impact

Our Summer Internship Program doesn’t relegate students to observation. They sit in on client meetings, visit job sites, participate in design charrettes, and offer ideas that often expand conversation to an unthought-of dimension. These emerging professionals challenge us as they learn the craft.

"At OZ Architecture, our Summer Internship Program is more than just a stepping stone – it's a journey that transforms talented students into confident professionals. We challenge interns to think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with every aspect of architectural practice. By fostering creativity alongside real-world problem solving, we prepare the next generation to lead with both vision and practical expertise."
Charley Starr, Associate

Planting Seeds

Mentorship at OZ extends far beyond our studio walls. We visit elementary schools to introduce students to the basics of form and function. We show up at high school career nights to demonstrate that architecture is problem-solving and storytelling. Our team partners with Denver Public Schools, supports the ACE Mentor Program, and collaborates with major public and private universities from Boulder, Colorado, to Lawrence, Kansas.

Through community-focused efforts, like our work with Denver Rescue Mission’s career program, we’re unlocking potential where barriers exist. These are long-term investments in visionaries. When a young person discovers their spark for design, when a student sees a future for themselves in our profession, or when an intern walks out the door more confident than when they arrived, that’s impact. Our goal is for students to become teachers in addressing the housing crisis, innovating for climate resilience, and championing equity through the built environment.

We see what's possible when curiosity meets opportunity and potential meets encouragement. The bold careers and meaningful places tomorrow’s designers will create are already taking root. OZ is proud to be part of their foundation.