b'MEMBER MILESTONESft3 office. (Credit: Emerson Gonzales.)Improving communication was key, he says. Being a team means communicating well, and the best conversations often happen informally, across a table or desk.We were defining this structure ourselves, says McFadden. If people knew what projects were coming up, they could feel empowered to join the conversation early.McFadden adds that this empowerment extends beyond the office to the surrounding community. We work within these four walls and leave downtown at the end of the day. But thats not the culture we want. We want to make an impact on the community here.When you think about an architectural practice, you assume they will have completed landmark projects that everyone will recognize, says Peters. Even though that interests us, not everything is a project with a contract. Were part of a community, and our focus is on projects that truly improve peoples lives.Peters says the firms leadership is committed to nurturing the next generation of ft3 leaders, ensuring that future projects continue to enhance the communities and environments they serve.We encourage an awareness amongst the staffparticularly the young staffthat there are opportunities here to understand our community better and make a positive contribution with their own resources, he says. Thats something we believe in.A rewarding part of our work is helping young professionals find their footing and discover what they can do, says McFadden. They are the success of ft3, and were here to support and pushthem forward. 26 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'