It is every architect's duty as a professional to promote a development program that betters the profession of architecture. That development program is the intern development program (IDP). The function of IDP should be as a bridge between school and practice. In school, students are taught how to think about design, how to design, and given free range to explore all creative thought through architecture. Compared to practice, this is only the beginning of schematic design. Obviously, architectural practice is much more complex than designing something during schematic design; therefore interns should be learning about managing all of the different aspects of architecture from programming to punch lists.

IDP should also be a foundation for leadership. During school, most architectural projects are individualized, and not much emphasis is place on group work. In practice, every project has a multilevel team. Learning how to work with other designers, clients, contractors, and consultants should be a focus of IDP.

Ideally, every firm would facilitate interns learning all factions of architecture; they would promote frequent mentorship, and help interns develop skills learned in school. In reality, one has to be his or her own advocate. Initiative is one thing that cannot be taught; and it is the one thing that can separate you from your peers. It is entirely up to the individual to do his or her best, no matter what the task. As an intern with an architectural degree; one has the ability and knowledge to succeed.

Architecture is important. Everyone experiences architecture in some way every day. Practicing architects need to remember the necessity of the development process of interns and interns need to learn from every presented situation. The next generation of architects needs to be prepared to do more than just design.