Contact:
IFF Program Coordinator
IDP State Coordinator
Jonathan M. Taylor

617-850-6565
idp@architects.org

Program Guidelines

Application Form

The BSA has created a new program to recognize firms that support and encourage their intern-architects to complete NCARB’s Intern Development Program (IDP) and pass the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE).

The program has also been created to foster a sense of community and offer resources for firms seeking to become more intern-friendly.

What is intern-preparedness and why is it important?
The comprehensive training an intern-architect receives is crucial to their preparedness in passing the ARE and their competency as a practicing architect.

There are three milestones an intern-architect must complete before becoming licensed: education, training and examination.

• In Massachusetts, education is satisfied by receiving an accredited NAAB or CACB degree (EESA evaluation needed for foreign degrees).

• Since 1991, completion of NCARB’s Intern Development Program has been the only means to satisfy training.

• Passing the Architectural Registration Exam will allow an individual to become licensed; however they must first complete an NAAB degree program and be enrolled in IDP to sit for the examination.

Traditionally an intern-architect was trained by a master architect who passed along his skill to the apprentice. Today with the ever-increasing complexity of building systems and the manner of architectural practice, one individual alone does not, and likely cannot be responsible for the training of the next generation. In 1976 the profession created IDP to help intern-architects find the training they need from multiple sources in and out of the office environment.

Why should my firm promote comprehensive intern training or IDP?
By emphasizing training, your firm can help intern-architects achieve registration…and be recognized by as intern-friendly. Utilizing IDP will also help you attract, train, and retain good employees. As an IDP-friendly office, your practice will benefit from the increased competence, versatility, and production of employees fully exposed to the complexities of professional practice today with little extra effort. IDP provides a framework for the productive application of the mentor/apprentice relationship that is an integral part of the process by which new architects are trained. However, participation does not require you to alter your office procedures.

Many practitioners find the IDP training report form a useful management tool for reviewing employee performance. Firms with in-house staff development programs will find the IDP training standard and core competencies a practical guide for intern assignment. Many offices have also established procedures that facilitate interns’ exposure to hard-to-get training areas such as client contact, cost estimating, and bidding/negotiation by offering opportunities for observation or participation as project schedules permit.

In addition, the program offers interns access to supplementary education activities that augment and enhance their training. Such independent study benefits the office as well as the intern.

Interns realize that internship is a two-way street. Those who receive opportunities for exposure to the 16 IDP training areas will reward this commitment with a dedication and effort that transcends office hours.

Firms have a responsibility to provide the training setting and also the practice-based information to the next generation of architects. Such firms are intern friendly.

>> Intern-Architect Friendly Firm Program - Guidelines

• Firm name, address, telephone, website
  
  
• Explanation (in full sentences) of the firm's intern policies and how the firm addresses the nine Friendly Firm Program Guidelines. Both paragraph and list form explanations are acceptable.
  
  
• Name and contact information for firm's IDP contact (this information is for the state coordinator and will not be published on the web site.

Contact Information:

MA Program
idp@architects.org

AIA Alabama, AIA Georgia, AIA South Carolina, AIA Eastern Oklahoma, AIA Central Oklahoma, AIA Kansas City

>> Strategies for Firms in Support of Emerging Professionals

This online resource center for firms, Strategies for Firms in Support of Emerging Professionals, is how the AIA shows its commitment to architects and their firm by developing a set of strategies for those who wish to make professional development and learning a cornerstone of their practice culture. Today, architecture firms are seeking ways to recruit and retain the best employees. Strategies for Firms provides a framework for any firm to add benefits to support its staff in professional development.

Current and prospective employees should see the firm's commitment to professional development through these strategies as a positive attribute. Just as firms that become AIA Continuing Education Providers are able to offer benefits though in-house continuing education programs that nonprovider firms cannot, these strategies will distinguish firms that have made a commitment to learning.

>> IDP Outstanding Firm Awards Program

Starting in 2008, the AIA reorganized its IDP Firm award, to recognize IDP Firms that meet twelve essential criteria in the categories of Mentoring, Supervising, Training Opportunities, Commitment to IDP, and ARE Support. The IDP Outstanding Firm Award will be reserved for firms who meet the essential criteria and demonstrate excellence in at least three of these categories.