AIASCV - Intern Development Program

IDP Overview
Purpose of IDP
Training Area Descriptions & Recommended Core Competencies
Why Should you Participate in the IDP?
States Requiring IDP Training
CIDP/IDP Supplemental Documentation
Mentor Program for Associates, Basics and Students

(Excerpts from: http://www.ncarb.org/idp/index.html)

Intern Development Program Overview

Historically, most interns were trained by mentors. A daily, working relationship allowed the experienced practitioner to transfer knowledge and skills to the apprentice. However, such a sustained learning environment became less attainable as architectural practice grew more complex. With the decline of mentorship, interns lacked a structured transition between formal education and architectural registration.

The Purpose of the Intern Development Program

The IDP was created to continue the tradition of a structured transition to better prepare skilled professionals. The IDP is a profession-wide, comprehensive program that contributes to the development of qualified architects who can provide exemplary architectural services. A comprehensive internship program is necessary to acquire and reinforce the discipline, integrity, judgment, skills, knowledge and quest for learning that must serve the registered architect for a lifetime.

The IDP has five objectives:

to define areas of architectural practice in which interns should acquire basic knowledge and skills;
to encourage additional training in the broad aspects of architectural practice;
to provide the highest quality information and advice about educational, internship and professional issues and opportunities;
to provide a uniform system for documentation and periodic assessment of internship activity; and,
to provide greater access to educational opportunities designed to enrich training.

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IDP Training Area Descriptions And Recommended Core Competencies

Design & Construction Documents:: Programming; Site and Environmental Analysis; Schematic Design; Engineering Systems Coordination; Building Cost Analysis; Code Research; Design Development; Construction Documents; Specifications and Materials Research; Document Checking and Coordination
Construction Administration:: Bidding and Contract Negotiation; Construction Phase–Office; Construction Phase–Observation
Management:: Project Management; Office Management
Related Activities:: Professional and Community Service

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Why Should You Participate In the IDP?

The shift from school to office is not a transition from theory to pragmatism. It is a period when theory merges with pragmatism. Internship is, in many ways, the most significant developmental period in your career as an architect.

Your education as an architect typically begins in a school of architecture-but it does not end there.Training in architectural firms, continuing education and professional practice furthers your educational process. Schools and firms offer many opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills; however, only you can take responsibility for developing your career to its fullest.

The Intern Development Program (IDP) responds to your professional development needs by providing a wide range of resources that enhance day-to-day experience. The IDP Training Requirement establishes levels of experience in important areas of architectural practice. Through the IDP mentorship system, you receive advice and guidance from practitioners. The IDP record-keeping system facilitates the documentation of internship activities, while the IDP supplementary education system provides a variety of learning resources designed to enrich training.

Participation in the Intern Development Program reflects your commitment to acquiring the comprehensive training that is essential for competent practice.

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States Requiring IDP Training for Initial Registration (shaded states)

idp map

Jurisdictions not requiring IDP for initial registration:

Arizona, Missouri, Guam, Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands

For more information, please check out the NCARB website at http://www.ncarb.org/IDP/index.html or http://www.ncarb.org/forms/idp_packet.pdf to download the IDP Guidelines.

To get an informational IDP packet please go to this address and fill out a request:
http://www.ncarb.org/forms/req_idp.html

CIDP/IDP

CIDP is a supplemental documentation requirement that an intern must complete while he or she is acquiring the necessary training units for NCARB's IDP. Interns seeking licensure in California must complete CIDP in addition to NCARB's IDP. CIDP/IDP Handbook (January 2005) — 180KB PDF

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Mentor Program for Associates, Basic and Student Members

The AIASCV Board of Directors has approved the mentor program. It is now available to AIASCV Associate, Basic and Student members. If you would like to participate in this mentoring program, please contact Brad McCurdy, AIA, Associates Director. He will give you a list of possible mentors, and there will be a chance at chapter meetings to meet these individuals. You can reach Brad by contacting the AIASCV chapter office (408) 298-0611.

There are many benefits to professional mentoring for both the AIA member and the Associate/Basic/Student member. For the Associate/Basic/Student it provides support and advice for a career in Architecture, promotes licensure, professional growth, experience and knowledge, as well as future job opportunities through networking. A mentoring program also benefits the AIA by encouraging interaction between licensed members, Associates, Basics and Students, encourages licensure, and promotes membership and participation.

If you would like to participate as a mentor, IDP has a mentor guidelines booklet that’s very handy. You can download it at www.ncarb.org/Forms/mentor.pdf. Please contact the AIASCV Associates Director for more information (see the Board of Directors list).

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