Our schooling and firm life as architects is not lacking in the supply of ego boosting material - we are architects and in that regard, we are highly respected, well rounded individuals. True - yet if we step to any related fields we are thought of as something quite different.

Within the current architectural pedagogy there is a lack of value and knowledge of the synergetic roles needed to mold a successful project.

During the first year of my architecture degree I became conscious of what was missing in the educational process and I produced my own path in the field by gaining experience in other related areas. The chosen areas consisted of an interior design firm, real estate development firm, studying abroad and a small architecture firm containing the opportunity to finally pass through the IDP requirements quickly and efficiently.

During my first interview, my own prophesized architectural reality was shaken. "Studying architecture does not make you superior to interior designers" was a shocking statement from the president of the interiors firm. This was my first in a year long introduction to the often vicious battle between architects and interior designers. This is one small example in the plethora of strained exchanges we have among our allies, clients and associates.

One way to remedy these sometimes professionally crippling situations is to believe in the appropriateness of taking ourselves out of the realm of architecture momentarily and seeing it from foreign territory at least once in our careers - and the earlier the better. Attending to these related fields can only help future professional relationships, communication and understanding of architecture as a process.

Another way I expanded this education was through working at a real estate development firm. This was quite a shock as I was to become the client. What better way to experience the discipline than becoming your own future customer? I witnessed many examples of how architects do not perform project requirements proficiently. Often times these issues pass unarticulated to the architect.

My present architectural internship is an ideal fit as I work towards my licensure. The firm is relatively small and handles projects similar to the interior and housing situations I had worked in previously. Fulfilling the IDP requirements has become quite an easy and painless process due to a comprehensive, yet self inflicted education.

With this specific manner of learning architecture holistically there is never a finite conclusion. It is very important to understand the 'other' in the concurrent discourse when we have become so professionally stubborn. This specific philosophy is one that can continue throughout a whole career and is not limited in any respect.
This ultimate collaboration is the way an IDP should be modeled.

Of course, this attitude is also not limited to a regional practice and would lend itself equally to an international architectural discipline - one I have yet to experience and apply.