Our vision is to be at the forefront of our
industry by developing the most talented
professionals in the world.
Forefront is KPFF’s philosophy on education. We invest in the development of our people, openly share knowledge with each other, embrace a growth mindset, create space to discover our passions, and we always strive for excellence.
KPFF has a long history of developing talent from within. The forefront experience starts the day you walk in the door and continues as a career-long effort to grow together and advance our profession.
select forefront programs
We recognize that formal education programs are only one component to professional development. Project-based learning, informal interactions, and self-directed learning are also essential to our development.
Formal Programs
We offer formal mentoring and training programs at the local and national level. These offerings are designed to teach a full range technical and professional skills, from analysis tools to emotional intelligence, helping people at all levels develop the necessary skills to advance in their careers.
Project-Based Learning
We learn by doing. Each day, we bring our individual and collective knowledge to our work, and, each day, we have an opportunity to learn and to teach something new. When we are mindful about embracing our curiosities, openly sharing our knowledge, and practicing a growth mindset, we create an optimal “on the job” learning environment.
Self-Directed Learning
We make space for people to follow their curiosities, develop their interests, and discover their passions. We believe when people are practicing the work they love, they thrive. And when we have a company full of people following their passions, we can change the world.
Informal Teaching Moments
Above all, we value trust and relationships. This shows up everyday in small ways across a wide network - when you swivel your chair to ask a question, or when collaborate over Teams to share insights. Trust and relationships are built through these small yet significant moments, and trust and relationships are what carry us through our careers.
Why do we invest so much time and energy into professional development of our staff? Because we realize that it's critical to our survival and perpetuation. Our environment is focused on supporting our people to develop their potential, to grow, to learn, to stretch, and to teach.
Scott Kuebler PE, SE, D.PE
Managing Principal, KPFF Special Projects
KPFF offers amazing opportunities for personal and professional growth, and fosters the development of lasting relationships - both inside and outside the office. It is truly the best environment for a budding engineer.
Martina Sbicca PE
Engineer, KPFF San Francisco
If it weren’t for this event, I do not think I would be able to connect with other engineers at all (them being in the mid-west or east coast). It was great to not only see what amazing engineers they are, but to also see how amazing they are as an individual.
April Santonil
Engineer, Orange County – Newport Beach, CA
I feel like I gained a ton of insight into KPFF as a whole and the breadth of work that we cover. I highly recommend that other folks at the office here experience this program.
Bryan Donahue
Engineer, KPFF Special Projects - Tacoma, WA
Discover was exactly what we needed to start focusing on our career growth!
Ian Dickeson PE
Engineer, KPFF Protective Design Group
It was refreshing and insightful to hear how other people from other offices work, their differences and similarities. It definitely put a spark on how I want to improve myself and what we can do for our office too.