How did this all begin? Our California based firm, HMC Architects, offers a yearly travel grant called the “Xref “ program which is open to all full time employees. This grant is awarded to two individuals per year, with proposals selected by a jury of industry professionals and clients of the firm. A comprehensive description of the program is as follows:
“This travel program for HMC employees, initiated in 2007, offers two individuals per calendar year the opportunity to travel the world. The firm’s contribution to this initiative is twofold. Not only will the individual receive additional vacation time to complete the trip; an allowance will also be allotted to go toward travel costs.
HMC is dedicated to the principle that it is our people that make us who we are.
A firm’s vitality is based on the diverse collective experiences of it’s employees. HMC Xref was established to enable greater exposure to outside influences and new ideas. Xref has multiple, layered meanings. In CAD, it refers to a dynamic link between drawing files. It is also an abbreviation of “cross-reference,” an instance of referring to information elsewhere- either internally or externally. When used as a verb, to cross-reference is to make connections. The HMC Xref program encourages individuals to pursue an external interest and create an experience that connects them to a wider span of influence. The resulting personal growth and creative renewal is reflected into all aspects of their lives, linking back to their work and enriching the lives of fellow HMC employees.
The Challenge
HMC employees who are interested may submit a proposal to travel anywhere in the world. The intent is that this Xref be more than a vacation or a sightseeing venture. A true Xref proposal seeks to expand personal growth and knowledge through significant. direct exposure of a specific place. In that sense, it is not only the destination for the journey, but the reason. We offer this as an opportunity to learn, explore, and investigate – to enlighten yourself and then inspire the rest of us. HMC wants ideas for a travel experience that you can tell grandchildren about.”
The City 