Internship & Experience Overview

Experience is the most diverse of the Three E’s of architecture. Interns can gain experience from working in small architecture firms, large firms, engineers, contractors, and other professionals in firms across the country and around the world. The common denominator for most is the Intern Development Program (IDP), and many interns personalize their internship experience within the confines of the program to gain rich professional development opportunities during their early careers. The IDP is a national program that architecture interns use to log their internship time via a training unit system. A typically internship may last three to five years.

One must complete the educational and training requirements to become a licensed architect. In most U.S. states, this training requirement is fulfilled by completing the IDP. The program is designed to take about three years and can begin prior to graduation when the appropriate requirements are fulfilled.

The IDP is offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Additional resources are also offered by The American Institute of Architects (AIA). To request an IDP information packet or to enroll, please visit the NCARB Web site .