An intern development program benefits young professionals at various levels of internship training and accelerates the production of "architects" in the country. But in the same breadth a question arises if that really justifies the term "architect" or if something is still missing? What is that hidden or missing dimension that our society is constantly searching among us professionals?

Buildings have a tremendous impact on the environment, both during design and construction, and also through their operation. Also there is a need to fight globalization in architecture by preserving ethnic peculiarities of every region and thereby recognizing the associated sentimental values. In the rampant of designing signature building which is even termed by some critics as a short-cut to establish ones name in the industry, many good designers have started to shy away from environmentally, culturally, historically and socially sensitive architecture. Architecture might be beautiful and designed within the guidelines of the codes but if it is not able to respond to the needs and concerns in the true sense it seems incomplete.

In a nut-shell, a special mention needs to be made to the imperative issues such as sustainable architecture, conservation, preservation - foundations for a better tomorrow. I see Architectural Internship as an appropriate season in an architect's career to plant in these future needs, since a young professional will make critical decisions at the threshold of the career that will have lasting impressions on a personal and public level. This added dimension would help build in a sense of responsibility and eventually a sense of completeness. Influence of which would travel with them as they move along their chosen path.

These issues can be addressed either through elective programs or by assigning them a special category as community service has in the present Intern Development Program (IDP). IDP Credits could be earned either by working on a project (sustainable/historic-preservation/conservation) or through attending seminars and lectures organized by United States Green Building Council (USGBC), National Trust for Historic Preservation or Conservation Organization or any such governing body working towards these causes. The effort should be to understand their pragmatic importance at an early stage in the career. As today's practicing young designer, I see them as 'burning issues of tomorrow'. Future is now and today shapes tomorrow...

"An architect must be a prophet, a prophet in the true sense of the world; if he can't see at least ten years ahead then don't call him an architect". - Frank Lloyd Wright.