"Practice is the continuous and regular exercise of employment where manual work is done with any necessary material according to the design of a drawing. Theory, on the other hand, is the ability to demonstrate and explain the productions of dexterity on the principles of proportion."
-The Ten Books on Architecture, Vitruvius, page 5.

As Vitruvius so preemptively states, additionally, there is the following principle: Architects cannot exist unless a firm understanding in both practice and theory is attained. It is true, first and foremost, that our tasks are a part of our work, as opposed to the terminology so emphatically used today of "job". As long as architects exist, they will not have a job. Rather, they recognize their art as work. Hence, the more traditional term that we hear less and less of today: "work of art". It should also be mentioned that one should not be quick to see her or himself as Architect; as the title should only be received after the prospect is well-versed in both theory and practice.

Alas, we have the most common dichotomy of our industry: the incorporation of the theory and discipline attained in academia with the practicality of the construction industry. The trend that I experienced into my fourth year of interning is that of abandoning emphasis on the academic theories, only to experience the traditional contradictions in practice. One may say at this point, "Where did you go to school?" or, "Where are you working?".

Five years after academia, I learned that the theories attained previously are disguised amongst the traditions in the practice. It is, by far, the endearing term of all AIA members, "continuing education", that is just as much a part of the internship process as it is a credential to licensure. Indeed, the chasm between attaining one's registration and the design-world thereafter, is significant and worth innovating, envisioning, connecting, and empowering.

To the same tune, but a separate bar, the focus is not necessarily the Architect Intern. The education of the Architect, as a mentor, is appropriate and should be required. One might acknowledge, "The architect has learned all that is required…what else is there to learn other than changing materials, technology, and methods of construction?" To thee, I would respond, "The architect you speak of completes a job at the end of her (his) day. The Architect I am speaking of completes her (his) work at the end of their lifetime."

In preparation of the great innovating, envisioning, and empowering young architects, there will need to be a connection made with their elders. Returning to the long-time moral of respecting your elders has its place here, but the respect is only rightfully knighted to those who are prepared to thread theory attained in academia with their everyday practice. In the end, architecture as an industry will become more one, rather than two parts and thereby have the artful impact of painting an image of idealism for culture to follow.