I offer one simple suggestion to radically improve engagement with the internship process and rates of architectural registration: Embed the ARE within IDP.

Make accrual of units towards the second half of IDP contingent upon two things:
1. Completion of half of the units in each IDP training area.
2. Passing all sections of the ARE.

Unless these two conditions are met, work experience that otherwise would accrue towards the IDP would be disallowed. Only units completed after both the above conditions are met would count.

After all required IDP units are completed, documented, and confirmed by NCARB, architectural registration and NCARB certification would immediately be conferred.

It’s simple: graduate, and you are a “graduate architect.” Pass the ARE and you are an “intern architect.” Finish IDP, and you are a Registered Architect.

This proposal would completely alter the prevailing psychological dynamic of internship. From the second one graduates and begins work, the clock would be ticking, because ARE preparation and testing would be allowed immediately following graduation from an accredited school. Graduate architects would be forced to take initiative early in the process, and forcefully advocate for the required distribution of experience from their supervisors once they begin work. Passivity would be discouraged, and momentum would become possible, even probable. Everyone would benefit.

Firms would benefit because their graduate architect hires would progress more quickly towards the competence and experience they want from emerging professionals.

NCARB, state architectural registration boards, and professional associations such as the AIA would all benefit from the elimination of the lengthy delays engendered by the current system. The deferred (and sometimes never collected) administrative fees, membership dues, and licensure fees would be a windfall for these organizations.

ACSA schools would benefit. They could opt to develop summer ‘boot camps’ for ARE preparation and testing. Underutilized facilities would be utilized. The intensity and short duration of these programs would provide additional income for faculty, while leaving most of their summer term free. Students would try to prevent their coursework and final projects from dragging into summer and the next fall, since doing so would prevent them from taking advantage of summer ARE programs. Such programs would generate the esprit de corps among candidates that was lost when the ARE transitioned to flexible scheduling.

The profession would benefit because it would take a giant step towards long-term viability. The number of registered architects would stop declining.

The public would benefit because larger numbers of registered architects means greater access to architectural services, increased public safety, and a higher quality built environment.

Finally, graduate architects would benefit. This new approach to internship would encourage and support these emerging professionals as they work toward their goals. Putting off that which must eventually be done only prolongs the discomfort of having it hanging over ones head. Earlier registration means earlier advancement and commensurate compensation.

Graduate architect. Intern architect. Registered Architect.
It makes sense. Everyone benefits.