RDG in the Media: RDG Planning & Design Invests in Student Softskills Development
RDG Planning & Design partners with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture to elevate student success.
RDG Planning & Design has partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture to enhance student development through two endowed programs: The RDG Planning & Design Excellence Fund in Support of Student Development and the John Birge/RDG “Create Meaning Together” Fellows Program. These initiatives aim to elevate students' soft skills, including leadership, collaboration and professional etiquette. In the fall of 2024, RDG and the college have been piloting two initiatives with this support: The Create Meaning Together Fellows Program is supporting professional development utilizing CliftonStrengths Assessments in the fourth-year Collaborate Studio, while the Student Development fund is supporting the development of professional etiquette through a business dinner format.
“We believe that a well-rounded education should be attainable for all who seek it. That's why we've partnered with the College of Architecture to create these soft skills programs,” said RDG Principal John Sova, AIA. “As an employer, we recognize the existing skills gap, which disadvantages students and young professionals. If education is the equalizer, we want to ensure every student’s dreams are realized, creating a more prosperous, equitable and healthy workforce."
The "Create Meaning Together" Fellows Program has been integrated into the fourth-year Collaborate Studio, led by Interior Design Associate Professor Nathan Bicak and Architecture Associate Professor Steven Hardy. Participating students first complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment to identify their unique strengths; they then receive individual and team coaching from RDG Principal and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Catrina Cook and Lori Stohs, founder of Lori Stohs Consulting Group. This coaching helps students understand and leverage their strengths to become more effective leaders, collaborators and designers.
On October 7, 2024, a diverse group of students, including first-generation students, members of historically underserved communities, military veterans and student organization leaders, participated in a dinner where staff from the College of Business Career Center presented on dining etiquette for professional settings. The dinner, supported by the Student Development fund, seeks to help students practice their networking skills in a supportive environment. RDG design professionals also joined the event to provide real-time mentoring through modeled behavior.
These initiatives align with the College of Architecture's 2025 strategic plan to integrate programming that emphasizes student wellness, professionalism, and 21st-century responsibilities. RDG and the UNL College of Architecture plan to continue offering soft skills and professional etiquette programs, ensuring ongoing support for student growth and career preparedness.