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Innovation + Insights explore the ways in which our people embrace new technologies and approaches in our industry, seeking to continuously evaluate and improve our processes and services.
Mentorship plays a critical role in professional growth, and at Larson Design Group (LDG), Eric Kellogg, PE, Principal Engineer, is redefining what effective mentorship can look like. Through an approach he calls Mentorship Cadence, Eric has created a collaborative, skill‑building forum where junior engineers work through real engineering and design challenges together guided by experience and open discussion.
The result is a more intentional rhythm of learning that strengthens technical skills, builds confidence, and supports better project outcomes.
Moving Beyond the Traditional 1:1
Early‑career engineers often learn quickly on the job, but opportunities to pause, ask questions, and explore the “why” behind design decisions can be limited. Recognizing this gap, Kevin Altman, PE, Senior Project Manager encouraged a more regular and structured approach to mentoring working with Eric to establish a consistent forum where junior staff could engage more deeply with engineering concepts while learning from one another.
What Is Mentorship Cadence?
Mentorship Cadence is a group‑based mentoring approach centered on collaboration. Junior engineers bring real design and engineering challenges to the table, and together the group works through those issues with Eric’s guidance. Sessions remain practical and relevant, often tied directly to current project work, with a focus on evaluating options, applying standards thoughtfully, and communicating decisions clearly.
Turning Experience into Growth
A key strength of Mentorship Cadence is the experience Eric brings to the discussion, including his background working with PennDOT. That perspective helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing how design decisions impact quality, constructability, and long‑term outcomes.
“When junior engineers feel supported and encouraged to engage, the learning accelerates and that benefits both the individual and the firm,” said Eric Kellogg, PE.
A Model Worth Sharing
The impact of Mentorship Cadence extends beyond individual development, contributing to improved workflows, clearer documentation, and stronger design deliverables. By investing in structured mentorship, LDG strengthens both its people and its processes, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and helping develop the next generation of technical leaders.
RELATED: Innovation + Insights: A Winning Gameplan for Successful Mentorships – Larson Design Group
ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.