Ware Malcomb, long one of Orange County’s largest architectural firms, has a
history of philanthropy, often partnering with organizations dedicated to bettering communities across the Americas.
One of its most recent projects was a five-week workplace internship where 14 students from underserved communities could learn about the architecture and design industry. Ware Malcomb’s design professionals taught the students basic principles of design and mentored them through their team project to design a studio house.
The students presented their projects at a “Design Pin Up” attended by Chairman Lawrence Armstrong and other office leaders.
The company said several students expressed a strong interest in pursuing a design industry career path and took the initiative to connect via LinkedIn.
The Career Exploration Experience (CEE) is a program of the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County. The program is designed to allow students to explore careers, develop technical skills, gain practical work experience, and refine their professional skills as they work in small teams to complete micro-projects. This was the second year Ware Malcomb has participated in the CEE program.
Companies That Care
Irvine-based Ware Malcomb ranked No. 2 on the Business Journal’s annual list of architectural firms, reporting $73.4 million in billings for the year ended June 30.
The company is one of 79 companies featured in the Business Journal’s annual listing of Companies That Care, the centerpiece of this week’s print edition.
The architectural firm since 1979 has offered scholarships and internships that provide expanded academic and career development opportunities to students based on need and talent.
It currently has a “WM Community” page that states, “We believe in giving back to our communities.”
It sponsors and participates in a wide variety of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
The company has raised more than $700,000 for the United Way in a firmwide annual giving campaign, more than $125,000 for the Boys and Girls Club through Pack to School fundraisers, and more than $100,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, just to name a few.
Armstrong is vice chair of Orange County United Way.
“Orange County United Way has a long track record of getting things done that are important for our community because of the incredible team of committed individuals who work hard every day to actually get results,” Armstrong said.
